A Memphis woman has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the 2024 shooting death of Church’s Chicken employee Anitra West, bringing a criminal case that began with a dispute over a food order to a close.
Monica Williams pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in West’s death and to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. She received an effective 30-year sentence.
The shooting happened on July 8, 2024, at the Church’s Chicken on Park Avenue in Memphis’ Orange Mound neighborhood. West, 48, was working at the restaurant when she became involved in a dispute with Williams over a food order in the drive-thru.
According to investigators, Williams left the restaurant after the argument. West then went outside for some air and was speaking with a friend on the phone when Williams returned to the parking lot.
The friend told investigators that West alerted her that the same woman she had argued with had come back. Shortly afterward, the friend heard a gunshot.
Employees found West suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to a hospital, where she died.
Police later identified Williams as the suspect and arrested her after a woman who had been in Williams’ vehicle earlier that evening contacted authorities after seeing news reports about the shooting. Investigators also obtained surveillance footage from the restaurant as part of the case.
Williams was initially charged with first-degree murder. The case ultimately ended with her guilty plea to the lesser charge of second-degree murder, along with the firearm offense.
Court records cited in earlier reporting also showed that Williams had previously served prison time following a 2009 violent assault case.
West’s family has continued to remember her for the importance she placed on her work and the people around her. Her mother, Anthonette Stevens, previously described her daughter as dependable and hardworking, saying West took pride in showing up on time and doing her job even though working in food service could be demanding.
West also left behind a daughter. Her former husband, Loranzo West, said after her death that she had a lasting impact on the people she met.
The 30-year sentence announced this week concludes the criminal case stemming from the fatal shooting at the Memphis restaurant.
