A delayed order was all it took for Burger King worker Desmond Armond Joshua Jr., to be shot dead by a boyfriend of an aggrieved customer.
The consequence of untamed anger unfolded at a Burger King restaurant in Orlando, Florida on Saturday night when a woman identified as Ashley Mason made an order at the drive-thru facility. When there was a delay because of the queue, she threatened to bring her boyfriend to fight 22-year-old Joshua who took her order.
Because of her agitations, Mason was given a $40 refund and told to leave the premises but she returned with her boyfriend Kelvis Rodriguez Tormes, who reportedly arrived in a work truck for a compamy.
Joshua had just worked at the restaurant for a mere two days when Tormes, 37, ordered him to step outside which he obliged. Witnesses broke up the scuffle and according to Mason’s account to investigators, she retrieved a gun from his truck and handed it to him after he told her to “give me the fire.”
“You got two seconds before I shoot you,” Tormes reportedly told Joshua. Moments later, he fired a shot that hit Joshua in the chest. “The couple then drove off.”
Joshua’s coworkers called 911, and although he was taken to a local hospital, he was pronounced dead.
“Tormes has been charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and destruction of evidence. He received a destruction charge because he dismantled the gun and threw it away, police say.”
Ashley Mason is facing charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a firearm, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Burger King North America President Chris Finazzo expressed his condolences in a statement on Monday, Aug. 3, reported News 6.
“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 stated, adding the safety of team members and guests is top priority.
