Man Faces Life In Prison For West Palm Beach Taco Bell Shooting

Life Sentence for Taco Bell Shooting in West Palm Beach

Chevarus Jywaun Stewart has been handed a life sentence after being convicted of firing shots at five Taco Bell employees in West Palm Beach, resulting in injuries to two workers. The decision was made during a Monday hearing in Palm Beach County court, where Stewart faced multiple counts, including attempted murder and armed burglary. In addition to the life term, he received a nearly 31-and-a-half-year sentence for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

Courtroom Drama: The Evidence and Verdict

The incident dates back to February 21, 2022, when Stewart, reportedly on a bicycle, entered the Taco Bell located on 45th Street near Military Trail. He ventured into a restricted employee area and began shooting. Prosecutors detailed how he opened fire towards one employee while hitting two others. Although two more employees were almost caught in the crossfire, Stewart fled the scene shortly after the chaos erupted.

“The swift actions of the employees and law enforcement prevented an even greater tragedy,” noted a spokesperson from the State Attorney’s Office.

In court, Stewart claimed he visited the Taco Bell to address a dispute with an employee named Perez, alleging Perez had threatened him. However, this narrative fell apart under the scrutiny of witness testimonies and surveillance footage presented by the prosecution.

Extensive Criminal Record Seals Stewart's Fate

A jury found Stewart guilty on multiple charges, including one count of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm, four counts of attempted second-degree murder, and one count of armed burglary. He also admitted to firearm possession as a felon. Prosecutors pushed for a life sentence, pointing to Stewart’s extensive criminal history, which includes over 42 previous convictions with 10 felonies among them.

The State Attorney’s Office emphasized the severe nature of Stewart's past offenses, highlighting convictions for domestic and non-domestic battery, trespassing, and public firearm discharge. The violent episode caused lasting injuries to the victims, incited panic among employees, and temporarily shuttered the fast-food location.