Bob Evans waitress shot and killed at work, ex-boyfriend charged with murder: police

An Ohio man walked into a Bob Evans and opened fire on a waitress and now police say he has been charged with her murder.

On April 16, Richard J. Nelson, 54, walked into the business, went behind the counter and fired multiple shots at Rebecca Jean Rogers, 38, in a back hallway before he fled the eatery, police said.

Rogers was taken to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, where she later died from her injuries, authorities said.

Nelson remained at large for hours before a Canton police dog nabbed him after a chase on foot, police said.

Nelson and Rogers were in a relationship but recently separated, The Repository reported.

According to police, about six customers and eight employees were inside the restaurant at the time of the shooting.

In one of the calls to 911, a customer stated they heard four or five gunshots.

Another 911 call had a woman tell the dispatcher that she was with another waitress and that the gunman “aimed for” Rogers, police said.

Rogers and Nelson had a history with police, as Rogers filed a police report against Nelson in March 2017 after he entered her home, police said.

Nelson was charged with stalking by menacing and burglary, but Rogers was later found guilty of filing a false police report in that case, authorities said.

A Stark County grand jury recently indicted Nelson on one count of aggravated murder for the fatal shooting of Nelson, which includes a three-year firearm specification, police said.

Nelson pleaded not guilty and remains in jail on a $2 million bond awaiting his next court appearance.