San Antonio, Texas, January 31, 2026
Adiah Roberson, a 19-year-old woman, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of Daniel Shrewsbury, a Sonic Drive-In manager. The fatal incident occurred when Roberson attempted to use counterfeit money to pay for food, leading to a confrontation with Shrewsbury, who was shot outside the restaurant. Following her arrest, Roberson faced legal proceedings and ultimately pleaded no contest to murder and aggravated assault charges.
San Antonio Woman Sentenced to 40 Years for 2024 Murder of Sonic Manager
San Antonio, Texas – Adiah Roberson, 19, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of Daniel Shrewsbury, a 33-year-old manager at a Sonic Drive-In restaurant. The incident occurred on July 7, 2024, when Roberson attempted to pay for food with counterfeit money. After an altercation with Shrewsbury, she fatally shot him outside the restaurant. Roberson pleaded no contest to both murder and aggravated assault charges, leading to the maximum sentence under Texas law.
Details of the Incident
On the evening of July 7, 2024, Roberson, along with 29-year-old Joshua Joseph and another woman, visited the Sonic Drive-In located at 5500 Babcock Road. They attempted to pay for their meal using counterfeit money. Shrewsbury, the manager, confronted them, leading to a dispute. During the confrontation, Roberson took money from the restaurant’s tip jar and exited the premises. Shrewsbury followed her outside to photograph the vehicle’s license plate. At that moment, Roberson shot Shrewsbury, who later died from his injuries.
Legal Proceedings
Roberson was arrested in October 2024 at an apartment complex in Dallas following a four-month manhunt. She was placed on Texas’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List prior to her capture. In January 2026, Roberson pleaded no contest to charges of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. State District Judge Benjamin Robertson sentenced her to 40 years in prison for the murder charge and 20 years for the aggravated assault charge, with the sentences to be served concurrently. The judge expressed concerns about the adequacy of the 40-year sentence, citing overwhelming evidence of guilt and Roberson’s lack of remorse.
Impact on the Community
The murder of Daniel Shrewsbury has deeply affected the San Antonio community. Shrewsbury was known for his dedication to his work and his friendly demeanor. His colleagues and family members have expressed their grief and the profound loss they feel. The case has also highlighted the issue of counterfeit currency and its potential consequences for local businesses and their employees.
Background on the Defendant
Adiah Roberson, at the time of the incident, was 17 years old. Prior to the murder, she had been involved in a series of legal issues, including charges related to forgery and theft. Her arrest and subsequent sentencing have sparked discussions about juvenile justice and the appropriate legal responses to serious crimes committed by minors.
Related Cases in San Antonio
San Antonio has seen several high-profile criminal cases in recent years. In October 2023, Francisco Javier Garcia Ventura was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the beating death of his estranged girlfriend, Crystal Iris Garcia. In April 2025, Tamera Laws received a 20-year sentence for the murder of her 70-year-old grandmother, Doris Ruth Novella. These cases underscore ongoing concerns about violent crimes within the community and the legal system’s responses to such offenses.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Adiah Roberson to 40 years in prison for the murder of Daniel Shrewsbury serves as a significant moment in San Antonio’s ongoing efforts to address violent crime. While the community continues to mourn the loss of Shrewsbury, the case highlights the importance of legal accountability and the need for preventive measures to protect both residents and businesses from similar tragedies.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | July 7, 2024 |
| Location | Sonic Drive-In, 5500 Babcock Road, San Antonio, Texas |
| Victim | Daniel Shrewsbury, 33, Sonic Drive-In manager |
| Defendant | Adiah Roberson, 19 |
| Charges | Murder, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon |
| Sentence | 40 years for murder, 20 years for aggravated assault (served concurrently) |
| Arrest Date | October 2024 |
| Legal Outcome | Pleaded no contest, sentenced in January 2026 |
| Community Impact | Deep mourning, highlighted concerns about counterfeit currency |
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