Ohio waitress killed in front of co-workers during shift

An Ohio waitress was allegedly shot dead while at work by her ex-boyfriend — who pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the grisly slaying in front of her co-workers, according to reports.

Rebecca Jean Rogers, 38, was reportedly gunned down by her ex, Richard Nelson, 54, while she was waitressing Friday morning at Bob Evans restaurant in Canton, the Akron Beacon Journal reported.

“Customers took cover under tables,” Canton Police Chief Jack Angelo told news station WKYC.

By the time officers arrived, Nelson had already fled through the back of the restaurant, Angelo said.

“When we got there, we did only locate one victim,” Angelo said of Rogers, who had suffered two gunshot wounds.

She was brought to the hospital, where she later died of her injuries, the outlets reported.

Officers searched for hours for Nelson and tracked him down Friday night in East Canton, police said.

He was taken into custody and charged with aggravated murder in Rogers’ death, the outlets reported.

Nelson — who has a rap sheet that includes assault and failure to comply with a police officer’s orders — pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to the charge, the outlets reported.

He was ordered held on $2 million and is expected to appear in court again Thursday.