SAN ANTONIO – A dispute over phone repairs turned fatal Tuesday afternoon at a Northwest Side business, leaving both a customer and employee dead in a shocking exchange of gunfire. The violent incident unfolded around 3:30 p.m. at a store in the 11800 block of Bandera Road, just south of Loop 1604.
According to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, the confrontation began when an unidentified customer became upset about a device repair. What started as a verbal argument quickly escalated into physical violence before guns were drawn. Investigators say the customer first shot and killed 35-year-old employee Cody Bell, prompting another employee to return fire and fatally wound the customer.
The second employee, who police say acted in self-defense, is fully cooperating with investigators. Authorities confirmed the employee is not currently facing charges as they review surveillance footage and witness statements. The names of both the deceased customer and the surviving employee have not yet been released.
Bell, remembered by coworkers as a dedicated technician and father of two, had worked at the store for nearly three years. “He was the guy who always stayed late to help customers,” said a tearful colleague who asked not to be named. “This should never have happened.”
The shooting has rattled the busy commercial corridor, with neighboring businesses closing early as police processed the crime scene. Investigators remained on location well into the evening, collecting shell casings and documenting the aftermath of the violent encounter.
As the investigation continues, police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact SAPD’s Homicide Unit at (210) 207-7635. The case marks the city’s [X] double homicide this year, raising new concerns about escalating disputes turning deadly.
