Family says Navy veteran was shot while trying to save another person’s life

A firearm-wielding Kentucky woman upset with a teenager for tapping her car with a vehicle door at a McDonald's allegedly shot a US Navy veteran who attempted to step in, according to authorities.

Family members of the deceased claim she was "tragically killed while trying to save a life" — describing it as "her final act of courage."

Shoshanha Jones, 39, faces charges of murder, theft, and holding a gun as a convicted offender in connection with the shooting of 28-year-old Mayra Rodriguez Munoz, who served in the Navy from 2017 to 2022 until she received an honourable discharge, as noted in her obituary.

Papers obtained by local Fox affiliate WDRB allege Jones shot Munoz on New Year's Eve after Munoz stepped in during a clash Jones had with another woman regarding their teenage child's door hitting Jones' car.

Munoz's obituary mentions she was "tragically taken from this world in Louisville while acting with extraordinary bravery to protect the life of someone she deeply loved — an act she would have carried out for anyone in need."

The connection between Munoz, the mother and the teenager is unclear.

"In a final act of heroism, Mayra was tragically killed while trying to save a life," a GoFundMe account description reads.

Munoz's sibling shared on Facebook that she was "conducting a heroic act while protecting someone else's life."

Her brother stated, "My baby sister … made an oath to protect and defend the nation from any threat, foreign and domestic.

"She definitely understood and demonstrated that with her incredible courage."

The Louisville Metro Police reported that the incident happened on Dec. 31, 2025, around 10:40pm at a McDonald's located on the 400 block of East Market Street.

Jones is accused of shooting Munoz once and then leaving the fast-food venue. She subsequently surrendered to a lawyer representing her, and the police arrested her without issue at the attorney's office.

"There's more to this story than the news put out," said defence lawyer Keith Kamenish during Jones' bond hearing on Wednesday, covered by WDRB.

Kamenish argued that news about a child's involvement is misleading, stating the minor is "going to be hitting 18 pretty soon." The police have not disclosed the age of either the child or the mother.

"They were approaching her, all three of them at the time of this shooting," Kamenish claimed.

"It's one shot, and she was there for a lawful purpose, eating her food, when these people came up and the incident began."

Kamenish further stated, "There is a lot to this story," while illustrating Jones as a mother herself who has "multiple children" and "surrendered without incident."

The police report that Jones used a handgun to shoot Munoz once in the chest.

The mother was reportedly trying to record Jones with her smartphone, which led Jones to point her firearm at her and forcibly take the phone, WDRB states.

Jones's bail was set at $500,000, and she was instructed to avoid McDonald's locations and the families of witnesses. She is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 26.

"Though her life was taken far too soon, Mayra's legacy of service, love and bravery will endure for generations to come," Munoz's obituary shared.

"Her final act of courage reflected the values she upheld throughout her life and service."