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A Whataburger manager was shot several times and died at the back door of the restaurant late Thursday night.

KHOU-TV

Two employees inside heard the gunshots.

The victim, 27-year-old night manager Jon Marx, was found around 11:30 p.m. at the Gessner and Emnora location.

Investigators said the victim stepped outside to smoke a cigarette.

Someone was apparently waiting for him. Investigators said six shots were fired, and Marx fell against the back door and died.

"Employees heard some gunshots, they went to check on him; they couldn't find him," HPD Officer. E. R. Castens said. "They tried calling him, but he didn't respond."

Marx was blocking the backdoor so employees asked a customer at the drive-thru window to look behind the building.

The witness saw Marx on the ground at the back door.  

Because Marx had the keys the two employees inside couldn't get outside because they were locked in.

Another manager came a few hours later and let them out. The restaurant, which is normally open 24 hours, has closed with a sign on the door saying there was a death in the Whataburger family.

Police don't have a description of the suspect, and they're not sure if Marx was the target or if the suspect was trying to rob the store.

Whataburger released this statement:

"The Whataburger Family is deeply saddened by last night’s events at our restaurant and the loss of one of our Family Members, Jon Marx. Jon had been with Whataburger for more than two years and was promoted in April 2006 to team leader. He was a familiar face to many late night customers and police officers that stopped by during the early morning hours. He will be greatly missed. We are currently reaching out to those Whataburger Family Members who were affected by this tragedy and will be offering counseling and support to help them through this difficult time."

Officials said the restaurant will remain closed until further notice.