An incident at a Sonic restaurant drive-in in San Antonio, Texas took a fatal turn on Sunday, July 7, 2024, when manager Daniel Shrewsbury, 33, was shot dead during an altercation with two customers. The incident took place around 9:40 p.m. at the Sonic located at the intersection of Babcock Road and Huebner Road.
Shrewsbury, who was on the verge of his 34th birthday, was involved in a dispute with two female patrons who were reportedly trying to use counterfeit money. His family stated that the confrontation escalated into the deadly shooting. Shrewsbury managed to retreat into the restaurant after being shot but was later declared dead at the scene.
“My brother went out there and confronted them about the fake money, and he got shot,” shared Jojo Shrewsbury, the victim’s younger brother, during an interview. “He was an amazing brother, not only to me but to everyone.”
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) has shared photos of the two female suspects involved in the altercation with Shrewsbury. One suspect was wearing a black T-shirt and gold chain, while the other was dressed in a white sundress with a floral pattern. Despite their identification, no arrests have been executed, and the suspects’ names remain undisclosed.
A witness present in the drive-through line at the time of the shooting recalled the terrifying incident. “I was on my phone sitting in line and heard what sounded like the first gunshot,” the witness told KENS5. “Then I heard two additional gunshots and realized something was happening. An employee ran to my car and told me an employee had been shot. She had a complete look of shock on her face.”
The untimely death of Shrewsbury has left his family and the local community in a state of shock and sorrow. His sister, Jazmin Robinson, expressed her grief and outrage in a poignant Facebook post. She lamented, “They took my brother without any regard, ignoring the impact on his family and loved ones. It’s truly a sorrowful world we live in. I never imagined I would lose my brother in this manner,” she wrote. “I will love you forever, big brother. They may have taken your body, but they can’t take your soul. The memories of our time together will always remain with me.”
His mother, Peggy Cofield, described her son as a “caring” individual cherished by “many people.” Shrewsbury was the oldest of three siblings and a committed employee who was much more than just a Sonic worker to those who knew him.
The tragic incident has prompted comments from industry insiders, including James Moore, a restaurant owner in San Antonio and Texas Restaurant Association State Board Member. “I guarantee there’s not one operator that did not feel struck by the news of this incident,” Moore said. “We all work so hard to protect our staff from horrible occurrences like this. The thought of any of my staff being put in a situation like that gives me nightmares.”
In memory of Shrewsbury, a memorial has been established outside the Sonic restaurant, adorned with flowers and candles. The community continues to rally together, demanding justice for the deceased manager.
