Man brutally strangled woman who got the promotion he applied for until their manager walked in: Police
A shocking workplace violence case in Missouri has led to the arrest of a restaurant employee who allegedly attempted to kill a co-worker after she received a promotion he had unsuccessfully sought.
According to police, 32-year-old Jevon Mallory was taken into custody after allegedly attacking a female colleague at a McAlister’s Deli restaurant in Bridgeton, Missouri. Investigators say the violent confrontation stemmed from Mallory’s anger over being passed over for a promotion that was instead awarded to the woman he allegedly targeted.
The incident occurred during the morning hours and quickly escalated into what authorities described as an attempted murder.
Attack Allegedly Planned in Advance
Coworker Cornered Inside Restaurant Office
According to a criminal complaint reviewed by investigators, the victim was inside an office located at the rear of the restaurant at approximately 10:30 a.m. when Mallory entered the room and locked the door behind him.
Police allege that once inside, Mallory confronted the woman and made a chilling statement, telling her that he was going to kill her. Investigators believe the encounter was not spontaneous but rather a deliberate act fueled by resentment over the promotion decision.
Promotion Became Source of Anger
Authorities stated that Mallory had applied for a promotion at the restaurant but was not selected. Instead, the position was awarded to the female employee he allegedly attacked.
Police say Mallory became increasingly angry after learning that his co-worker had received the advancement opportunity that he wanted for himself. Investigators later learned that the promotion decision became the central motive behind the alleged assault.
Victim Allegedly Strangled Until She Went Limp
Assault Escalated Quickly
According to the complaint, after threatening the victim, Mallory allegedly grabbed her neck with both hands and began strangling her.
Police say the attack intensified as the struggle continued. The victim was allegedly wrestled to the floor while Mallory maintained pressure on her neck. Investigators reported that he continued strangling her until she became limp.
The allegations suggest that the woman was in grave danger and may not have survived had someone not intervened at the critical moment.
Manager Heard Disturbance
The restaurant’s general manager reportedly heard unusual noises and a commotion coming from behind the closed office door.
Concerned by what was happening, the manager quickly unlocked the door and entered the office. According to police, the interruption immediately changed the course of events.
Manager’s Intervention May Have Saved Victim’s Life
Alleged Attack Stopped After Door Opened
Investigators say Mallory released the victim after the general manager entered the room. The woman was then able to escape from the office.
The manager reportedly acted quickly by locking Mallory inside the office after the victim got out and then contacting law enforcement authorities.
Police believe the manager’s intervention prevented the situation from ending in a homicide.
Emergency Response Followed
Officers from the Bridgeton Police Department responded to the restaurant after receiving the call. Upon arrival, they began interviewing witnesses and collecting information about the alleged assault.
Their investigation soon revealed disturbing statements allegedly made by the suspect.
Suspect Allegedly Admitted Intent to Kill
Police Interview Reveals Motive
When officers questioned Mallory, he reportedly spoke about his disappointment and anger over not receiving the promotion.
According to police, Mallory admitted being upset that the victim had been chosen instead of him. Investigators say he described feeling angry toward the woman because of the decision.
Claimed He Went to Work Planning a Murder
One of the most alarming details in the criminal complaint is the allegation that Mallory told police he went to the restaurant that morning intending to kill his co-worker.
Authorities further stated that Mallory allegedly admitted he would have carried out the killing if the general manager had not entered the office and interrupted the attack.
These statements became a significant part of the case against him.
Previous Strangulation Conviction Raises Concerns
Earlier Assault Case Discovered
As investigators examined Mallory’s background, they discovered a previous conviction involving a similar type of violence.
According to the complaint, Mallory pleaded guilty in 2014 to an assault involving the strangulation of a woman in a bathroom at Meramec Community College.
The prior case has drawn attention because of its similarities to the allegations in the current incident.
Served Prison Sentence
Court records cited in the complaint indicate that Mallory received a 10-year prison sentence in connection with the earlier strangulation case.
The existence of the prior conviction is expected to be closely scrutinized as prosecutors pursue the new charges.
Criminal Charges and Custody Status
Facing Multiple Charges
Following the investigation, authorities charged Mallory with assault and burglary in connection with the incident at the restaurant.
The charges reflect both the alleged attack on the victim and the circumstances surrounding his entry into the office where the confrontation occurred.
Held on High Cash Bond
Mallory remains in custody at the St. Louis County Justice Center.
According to authorities, he is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond while the case proceeds through the legal system. His next scheduled court appearance is a bond hearing set for June 16.
Investigation Continues
The case has drawn attention because it highlights the potential dangers of workplace disputes escalating into violence. Investigators allege that frustration over a promotion decision led to a carefully planned attack that nearly turned fatal.
Police maintain that the victim survived only because the restaurant manager heard the disturbance and intervened at a critical moment. As the criminal proceedings move forward, prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on witness accounts, the victim’s statements, and the suspect’s alleged admissions to police.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities prepare for future court hearings and determine the next steps in the prosecution of the case.