A former employee of Taco Bell in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been charged with murder after allegedly returning to the restaurant where he was recently terminated and shooting his former manager in the parking lot. The victim, who was a father of seven children, was on a work break when the incident occurred.
Jonathan Morris, 21, was apprehended on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, by the Homicide Unit and Fugitive Apprehension Squad. The arrest is linked to the murder of Ryan Johnson, 32. The alleged shooting took place shortly after midnight on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Taco Bell located on Gest Street in Queensgate, Cincinnati.
Prosecutors stated that Morris was dismissed from his job at the restaurant the day prior to the shooting. Later that night, around midnight, he allegedly returned to the premises where Johnson, a manager, was on break. Officers responding to the scene located Johnson in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds, and he was declared deceased at the location.
Family members of Johnson described him as a dedicated father, fiancé, and employee who was passionate about his work. His aunt, Ebony Denton, informed WCPO that he “would give you the shirt off his back.” She also mentioned to media outlets that he was at work when the event transpired. Johnson’s grandmother, Valerie Davidson, depicted him as a positive influence and mentor to young men in the community.
Morris appeared in court for the first time before Hamilton County Municipal Judge Tyrone Yates on Thursday, October 16, 2025. During the session, Assistant Prosecutor David Hickenlooper highlighted the profound impact on Johnson’s extensive family, stating, “They are devastated by this. It was senseless. We believe he was only trying to help (Morris).”
Prosecutors suggested that Johnson was conversing with Morris in the parking lot when the shooting happened. The entire episode was reportedly captured on video.
Johnson’s grandmother attended the bond hearing and made an emotional appeal to the judge, asserting that Morris was responsible for her grandson’s death and should not be released. She requested that no bond be set due to the loss of life. The prosecution requested that the judge set bail at $2 million.
Morris’ public defender argued that his client and his family could not afford any bond. The defense attorney added that Morris had only one previous interaction with the authorities where he was acquitted. The court was informed that Morris resides with his father and takes care of his one-year-old son.
A Cincinnati police detective testified that it took weeks to locate Morris, who was not found at his father’s home, where he reportedly lived. Morris had allegedly been evading authorities since the incident in late August.
Judge Yates ultimately set Morris’s bond at $500,000 straight, requiring the full amount for release rather than the usual 10 percent. If Morris is released, he will be under 24-hour house arrest with electronic monitoring. The judge noted that bond amounts are determined by examining all facts and circumstances in each case.
The reasons for Morris’ termination from Taco Bell were not disclosed during the court proceedings. Morris’ attorney stated that his client denies the allegations.
Taco Bell Corp. released a statement expressing their shock and sadness over the incident. The company conveyed condolences to the family and friends of the team member and confirmed that the owner and operator of the location is cooperating with local authorities in the investigation.
Davidson spoke with media outlets following the shooting, urging an end to gun violence in the community. She expressed concern that life seems undervalued. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Johnson’s family during this challenging time.
Morris is scheduled for a grand jury appearance on October 27, 2025, and remains detained at the Hamilton County jail on the murder charge. The Cincinnati Police Department continues to investigate the case, seeking any available surveillance footage from the Gest Street parking lot to assist in the inquiry.
