Wendy’s manager kills driver picking up worker early from shift, TN cops say
A manager at a Wendy’s restaurant in Tennessee is accused of shooting and killing a driver who was called to pick a worker up early from her shift, police said.
Darelle Bowers, 37, is charged with first-degree murder, according to court records, which state Bowers fatally shot a man during a fight.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred earlier this week. Our thoughts are with all those affected,” a spokesperson for Wendy’s of Tennessee told McClatchy News in a July 31 email. “Our restaurants follow strict safety protocols, including de-escalation training, and we have a zero-tolerance policy on weapons.”
The restaurant is working with authorities and will reinforce safety standards, the spokesperson said.
Bowers called officers at about 5:30 p.m. July 28 to report a “disturbance” at the restaurant in southeast Memphis, but before they got there he shot a gun at a man the worker called for a ride home, WMC reported, citing an arrest affidavit.
The man, identified as Stephen Shepard, was taken to a hospital, where he died, the affidavit said, according to the outlet.
The worker told investigators she called Shepard after Bowers “threatened to slap her,” WHBQ reported. The two men started fighting when Shepard got to the restaurant, according to the outlet.
Bowers is set to be arraigned Aug. 6, news outlets reported.
Police said the investigation is ongoing, WREG reported.
This story was originally published July 31, 2025 at 5:31 PM with the headline "Wendy’s manager kills driver picking up worker early from shift, TN cops say."
