A Tennessee-based Wendy’s manager, Darelle Bowers, 37, is facing first-degree murder charges following a fatal shooting incident at a Memphis outlet of the fast-food chain. Bowers is currently held in the Shelby County Jail without bond.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday when an argument ensued after an employee expressed her desire to end her shift early. The Memphis Police Department received a disturbance call from the restaurant located at 7928 Winchester Road around 5:20 p.m. Bowers is believed to have made the call.
While en route to the scene, police received additional information about a gunshot and a person being hit. Upon arrival, officers found Stephen Shepard in the Wendy’s parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound to his stomach. Shepard was rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Court documents suggest that Bowers was the one who shot Shepard. A bail screening form for Bowers alleges that he “shot and killed [the] victim while the two were fighting.” The employee who wanted to leave early had called Shepard to pick her up after Bowers allegedly threatened to slap her. The fight between Shepard and Bowers reportedly started after Shepard arrived at the restaurant.
A video circulating on social media shows parts of the violent confrontation. Shepard is seen throwing a punch at a man believed to be Bowers. Bowers, dressed in a Wendy’s uniform, is seen holding his hands together in front of him just before a gunshot is heard. The man in the uniform then walks over to the gunshot victim and appears to slap him. Shepard was reportedly unarmed during the incident.
Eyewitnesses recounted the incident, with one stating, “The person that got shot, he ended up swinging on the manager of the store, and the manager pulled out his gun and shot him. Well, he already had his gun in his hand.” The witness added that Shepard was screaming after being shot, but soon stopped moving.
According to the police, the victim and the suspect were acquainted. Bowers reportedly did not resist arrest and confessed to firing the shot. He is due to appear in court on Wednesday.
A representative for Wendy’s of Tennessee stated that their restaurants adhere to strict safety protocols, including de-escalation training, and maintain a zero-tolerance policy on weapons.