RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A chef at a restaurant in North Carolina's capital who authorities suspect shot a co-worker after which himself has died from his injuries, police announced Sunday.
George Colom Jr., 34, who was listed as the chief chef at Coquette Brasserie, was in critical condition at a hospital afterward Friday morning shootings within the restaurant. Police identified Colom when his death was announced. Another worker, described by police as a bystander, who was injured Friday was treated and released from a hospital.
According to police, the shootings seemed to be the results of an argument. Police said on Sunday that “further information will be released in due course.”
Jonathan Aguilar Vega, Coquette's wounded worker, said WRAL-TV after the shooting that he still had a bullet in his hand.
“We had our daily meeting before the shift started. One of our employees brought a cake to celebrate a bartender's birthday. She cut the cake and moments later I was shot,” said Vega, whom the station known as Aguilar. He said that “nobody there had any reason to hate (Colom) or dislike him or have anything personal against him.”
The shooting victim who died Friday was identified by police as Jonathan Mark Schaffer, 26. According to his LinkedIn profile, Schaffer had worked within the restaurant industry for several years, most recently at Urban Food Group, Coquette's parent company.
“He was just a kind and beautiful soul,” Katie Carrigan said of her late manager and friend.
Colom's father, George Colom Sr., released a family statement Saturday anticipating his son's impending death and expressing sadness and pain for those shot.
“My son will die soon and we just want to bury him in peace. No further questions or comments will be addressed,” the statement said.
The shootings in North Hills, a well-liked shopping and dining district north of Raleigh, led to heavy traffic delays midday Friday while police investigated the incident. Some nearby schools were also placed on lockdown after the shootings.
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