“He Was Just Doing His Job” — Taco Bell Worker Gunned Down in Indian Trail Kitchen

The night of Monday, October 13, might never have stood out — until violence ripped through a humble Taco Bell on Independence Boulevard in Indian Trail, North Carolina. Dantreveion Hobbs, 23, was working behind the counter when a masked man quietly walked past customers, made his way into the kitchen and, without warning, shot Hobbs. He died there, leaving behind stunned coworkers and a shocked community.

Law enforcement says the call came in just after 8:45 p.m., when deputies rushed the scene at the Taco Bell on Highway 74. By the time they arrived, Hobbs had already been fatally wounded. The assailant vanished swiftly, fleeing before there could be confrontation or negotiation. The restaurant later re-opened on Tuesday, but its walls would no longer feel quite the same.

Investigators immediately swung into action. Working “around the clock,” detectives canvassed the area, collected evidence, interviewed witnesses, and combed through leads — refusing to let even a small clue slip through. Less than 24 hours later, on October 14, police arrested 22-year-old Gilecio Ritchie at his home. He’s now charged with first-degree murder and being held without bond.

At present, motives remain murky. Nothing has surfaced to explain why Hobbs was targeted — no known threats, no prior disputes, no obvious rationale. The tragedy, to many, feels senseless.

Sheriff Eddie Cathey, speaking on behalf of the county, called the slaying “a senseless act of violence” that robbed the world of a hardworking young man. He emphasized the commitment of deputies and investigators who refused to rest until the suspect was in custody.

Family and friends have begun to speak. Hobbs, they say, was more than an employee — he was someone with dreams, hopes, and people who cared deeply for him. Taco Bell also issued a statement extending “deepest condolences” to his loved ones and confirming cooperation with law enforcement during the investigation.

Now, in Union County, the community mourns. This homicide marks only the second in the area’s jurisdiction this year. Many are left grappling with grief, a flurry of unanswered questions, and the stark reality that a normal, quiet evening turned tragically final for one young man simply doing his job.