A Wendy’s manager in Memphis, Tennessee, is facing a first-degree murder charge after allegedly shooting and killing a man following a violent altercation at the fast-food restaurant. The incident occurred on Monday evening and has led to serious legal and public safety concerns.
Details of the Incident
The fight that led to the shooting began when an employee attempted to leave her shift early. According to the Memphis Police Department, they received a call from the Wendy’s restaurant at 7928 Winchester Road around 5:20 p.m. regarding a disturbance.
It was later revealed that the call was made by the suspect, 37-year-old Darelle Bowers.
As officers were heading to the scene, additional reports came in stating that a shot had been fired and someone had been injured. When police arrived, they found 39-year-old Stephen Shepard in the Wendy’s parking lot, suffering from a gunshot wound to his stomach.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Shepard later died from his injuries.
The Fight and Shooting
Court documents and witness statements suggest that Bowers shot Shepard during a physical altercation between the two men. The incident occurred after Shepard was called to pick up the employee who had allegedly been threatened by Bowers.
The employee reported that Bowers had threatened to slap her, prompting her to call Shepard for help.
When Shepard arrived at the restaurant, a confrontation between the two men quickly escalated into a physical fight. A video posted to social media shows parts of the altercation.
In the footage, Shepard is seen throwing a punch at a man, believed to be Bowers, before Bowers, dressed in a red Wendy’s uniform, appears to take out a gun. Shortly afterward, a gunshot is heard, and Bowers is seen walking over to the victim and slapping him.
Witnesses reported that Shepard was unarmed during the fight. One witness stated that when Shepard threw the punch, Bowers, who already had the gun in hand, fired the shot. The witness also recalled that after Shepard was shot, he screamed but then stopped moving shortly after.
Arrest and Legal Actions
Bowers did not resist arrest when law enforcement arrived. He admitted to being the one who shot Shepard during the altercation. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently held in the Shelby County Jail without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday.
Wendy’s of Tennessee issued a statement confirming that its restaurants follow strict safety protocols, including de-escalation training for employees, and emphasized that they have a zero-tolerance policy regarding weapons. However, the incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of workers and customers in public spaces.
The shooting of Stephen Shepard by Wendy’s manager Darelle Bowers has left the Memphis community shocked and concerned. This violent altercation, which escalated over a dispute involving an employee, serves as a tragic reminder of how quickly a confrontation can turn deadly.
As the legal process unfolds, questions about safety protocols and the role of weapons in such incidents remain at the forefront.
