A Florida jury on November 17 found an Orlando man guilty of manslaughter after he shot and killed a Burger King worker following an altercation over slow service. Per ClickOrlando.com, the convicted man, identified as 41-year-old Kelvis Rodriguez, allegedly gunned down Desmond Joshua, 22, during an altercation at a Burger King on E. Colonial Drive on August 1, 2020.
A witness said that service to customers at the Burger King drive-thru that night was slow as there was a queue. But Rodriguez’s girlfriend, Ashley Mason, got agitated over the delay, leading her to come out of her car and shout about making her boyfriend come over.
Because of her agitations, Mason was given a $40 refund and told to leave the premises, but she returned with Rodriguez who subsequently demanded a fight with Joshua. The victim and Rodriguez subsequently got into an altercation before the convicted man shot Joshua with a gun that his girlfriend handed over to him. The couple subsequently drove off.
Joshua later succumbed to a gunshot wound at a hospital. The jury ultimately found Rodriguez guilty of manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The date for his sentencing hearing has been set for December 1.
Mason was also arrested and charged with principal to first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a firearm. She will stand trial for the aggravated assault charges in February, ClickOrlando.com reported.
In the wake of the fatal incident, Burger King North America President Chris Finazzo released a statement offering the company’s condolences to Joshua’s family.
“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,” Finazzo said at the time.
“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.”
