Carlos Bello

In the early morning of July 22, 2023, a robbery that turned deadly in a Waffle House parking lot in Radcliff, Kentucky, claimed the life of Carlos Bello. Mr. Bello, a 30-year-old Black man, was a resident of Radcliff and father to a 10-year-old daughter. He and another man, 19-year-old Shane Estrada of Vine Grove, were found shot to death shortly before 4:00 a.m. in the parking lot of the restaurant on South Dixie Boulevard. Radcliff Police began a double homicide investigation, describing the shooting as a "targeted" attack.

The investigation quickly centered on two men after police reviewed surveillance footage from the Waffle House. The video reportedly showed the men discussing a plan to steal a firearm from one of the victims. According to court records, the plan to take the firearm escalated, resulting in the fatal shootings of both Mr. Bello and Mr. Estrada.

Just two days after the incident, police arrested 33-year-old Rodshad Akeem Bowser-Highsmith of Elizabethtown. Authorities stated that Bowser-Highsmith admitted to his involvement and to firing several shots at a vehicle as it was leaving the parking lot. A second suspect, 25-year-old Darien Khalil McGary of Radcliff, was also arrested. In August 2023, a Hardin County grand jury indicted both men for the murders.

After several delays, including a mistrial declared in October 2024, the case went to trial. In February 2026, a jury found both men guilty for their roles in the deaths. Darien McGary was convicted of complicity to murder, complicity to manslaughter, complicity to robbery, and reckless homicide. Rodshad Bowser-Highsmith was found guilty of complicity to manslaughter, complicity to reckless homicide, complicity to robbery, and wanton endangerment.

During the sentencing phase, the families of both victims confronted the convicted men, describing the devastating impact of their loss. A judge agreed with the jury's recommendations, sentencing McGary to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. Bowser-Highsmith was sentenced to 21 years in prison. The case was concluded with the formal sentencing in March 2026.