A fatal shooting occurred at a Sonic Drive-In in San Antonio, Texas on Sunday, July 7, 2024. The incident resulted in the death of Daniel Shrewsbury, the 33-year-old manager, during a dispute with two patrons. The altercation took place around 9:40 p.m. at the Sonic restaurant situated on Babcock Road and Huebner Road.
Shrewsbury, who was only days from turning 34, engaged in a confrontation with two women customers suspected of using counterfeit money. His family stated that it was this dispute that led to Shrewsbury’s fatal shooting. After being shot, Shrewsbury managed to retreat into the restaurant, where he was later declared dead at the scene.
“My brother went out there and confronted them about the fake money, and he got shot,” Jojo Shrewsbury, the victim’s younger brother, revealed in an interview. “He was an amazing brother, not only to me but to everyone.”
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) has released photographs of the two female suspects implicated in the dispute with Shrewsbury. One suspect wore a black T-shirt and a gold chain, while the other was dressed in a white sundress with a floral pattern. Despite their identification, no arrests have been made, and the suspects’ names remain undisclosed.
A person who was in the drive-through line at the time of the shooting recounted the terrifying event. “I was on my phone sitting in line and heard what sounded like the first gunshot,” the witness told KENS5. “Then I heard two additional gunshots and realized something was happening. An employee ran to my car and told me an employee had been shot. She had a complete look of shock on her face.”
The tragic death of Shrewsbury has left his family and the local community grieving. His sister, Jazmin Robinson, expressed her sorrow and anger in a heartfelt Facebook post. She wrote, “They took my brother without any regard, ignoring the impact on his family and loved ones. It’s truly a sorrowful world we live in. I never imagined I would lose my brother in this manner,” she wrote. “I will love you forever, big brother. They may have taken your body, but they can’t take your soul. The memories of our time together will always remain with me.”
Peggy Cofield, his mother, described Shrewsbury as a “caring” individual loved by “many people.” Shrewsbury, the eldest of three siblings, was a committed employee who meant more than just a Sonic worker to those who knew him.
Reacting to the tragedy, James Moore, a restaurant owner in San Antonio and a Texas Restaurant Association State Board Member, highlighted the significance of safety protocols in the restaurant industry. “I guarantee there’s not one operator that did not feel struck by the news of this incident,” Moore said. “We all work so hard to protect our staff from horrible occurrences like this. The thought of any of my staff being put in a situation like that gives me nightmares.”
In memory of Shrewsbury, a memorial has been erected outside the Sonic restaurant, adorned with flowers and candles. As the community continues to mourn, they also seek justice for their fallen manager.