A former worker at a Taco Bell in Cincinnati, Ohio, faces murder charges after allegedly returning to the restaurant following his dismissal and fatally shooting his former manager in the parking lot. The deceased, a father of seven, was on a break when the incident occurred.
Jonathan Morris, 21, was taken into custody on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, by the Homicide Unit and Fugitive Apprehension Squad in relation to the death of Ryan Johnson, 32. The shooting took place just after midnight on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Taco Bell on Gest Street in Queensgate, Cincinnati.
Prosecutors report that Morris was terminated from his job at the restaurant the day before the shooting. Early the next morning, he allegedly returned to the location where Johnson, a manager, was on break. Officers found Johnson in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Johnson’s relatives described him as a committed father, fiancé, and employee who was passionate about his work. His aunt, Ebony Denton, told WCPO that he “would give you the shirt off his back.” She also mentioned that he was at work when the tragedy occurred. His grandmother, Valerie Davidson, remembered him as an inspiring figure who mentored young men in the community.
Morris appeared before Hamilton County Municipal Judge Tyrone Yates on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Assistant Prosecutor David Hickenlooper highlighted the significant impact on Johnson’s large family, stating, “They are devastated by this. It was senseless. We believe he was only trying to help (Morris).”
Prosecutors reported that Johnson was in conversation with Morris in the parking lot when the shooting took place. The incident was reportedly captured on video. The assistant prosecutor described the killing as senseless.
At the bond hearing, Johnson’s grandmother made an emotional plea, urging the judge not to release Morris, stating he should not be granted bond for taking a life. The prosecution requested a $2 million bond.
Morris’ public defender argued that Morris and his family could not afford any bond. The defense noted Morris had only one previous encounter with the authorities and had been acquitted. The attorney also stated that Morris lives with his father and cares for his one-year-old son.
A Cincinnati police detective testified that authorities had searched for Morris for weeks before his arrest, unable to find him at his father’s residence. Morris had reportedly been evading capture since the late-August shooting.
Judge Yates set Morris’s bond at $500,000 straight, requiring the full amount rather than the usual 10 percent. If Morris is released, he will be under 24-hour house arrest with electronic monitoring. The judge emphasized that bonds are set by judges after reviewing the facts and circumstances of each case.
The reasons for Morris’ firing from Taco Bell were not revealed in court. Morris’s lawyer stated that his client denies the allegations.
Taco Bell Corp. issued a statement expressing its shock and sadness over the incident. The company extended condolences to Johnson’s family and friends and confirmed that the location’s owner is cooperating with local authorities in the investigation.
Following the shooting, Davidson spoke to the media, calling for an end to gun violence and expressing concern over the disregard for life. A GoFundMe page has been created to support Johnson’s family.
Morris is scheduled to appear before a grand jury on October 27, 2025. He remains in custody at the Hamilton County jail on the murder charge. The Cincinnati Police Department continues to investigate the shooting and has requested any surveillance footage from the Gest Street lot to assist in the inquiry.
