Florida Burger King Employee Shot Dead ‘Over Delayed Order’

A Burger King employee in Florida was shot dead following an argument with a customer over a delay in a food order, authorities said.

Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the outlet in Orlando, Sunday, Aug. 2, after receiving information about a shooting.

The officers found 22-year-old Desmond Armond Joshua lying in a pool of blood in the parking lot of the drive-thru restaurant. He was bleeding from a gunshot wound and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. He was later pronounced dead.

The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Kelvis Rodriguez-Tormes, was taken into custody.

The arrest affidavit said Joshua was working in the drive-through line at the Burger King. It was a busy day and the line was particularly long when a female customer became angry about her delayed order.

She then got out of her vehicle and threatened to bring "her man" to the restaurant. Joshua reportedly refunded the woman's $40 and told her to leave. She waited in the parking lot for a few minutes, then drove away and returned in another vehicle driven by Rodriguez-Tormes, who demanded Joshua to fight him, the affidavit said.

A witness intervened when Rodriguez-Tormes put Joshua in a headlock and began to choke him. He then went to his truck telling Joshua, "You got two seconds before I shoot you."

Rodriguez-Tormes returned with a gun and opened fire at Joshua and then fled the scene.

Both Rodriguez-Tormes and the woman, whose identity was not known, were interviewed after the shooting. Rodriguez-Tormes dismantled the gun used in the shooting and placed it "in a location which cannot be located," the affidavit said.

Rodriguez-Tormes was charged with first-degree murder with a firearm, destruction of evidence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The woman was not arrested, deputies said in the affidavit.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic incident that took place at the Burger King on 7643 E. Colonial Drive and passing of team member Desmond Joshua," Burger King North America President Chris Finazzo said in a statement.

"At Burger King, the safety of team members and guests is our top priority. The franchisee who owns and operates the restaurant is fully cooperating with authorities on this matter. Any questions should be directed to local authorities. The Burger King McLamore Foundation exists to offer support to team members and their loved ones during incomprehensible times such as this. Our deepest condolences go out to Desmond’s family and friends during this difficult time."