Papa John’s founder and CEO John Schnatter attended the funeral of a 22-year-old employee shot and killed during a robbery at the pizza chain’s Columbia, Tennessee location.
According to WKRN, Gordon Schaffer was laid to rest on Saturday at Spring Hill Memorial Park. Papa John’s paid for all funeral and hospital expenses.
As the Tennessean reports, Schaffer’s sister posted on Facebook about Schnatter visiting her family before the funeral service.
“We never once imagined that this would touch anyone high up in the Papa John’s corporate office, let alone, John Schnatter,” Devan Cronin wrote. “He was visibly distraught when speaking to my family about the tragic loss of my brother and it was apparent that he didn’t come just to pay lip service.”
“We are deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the Schaffer family,” the company said in a statement after Schaffer’s death. “The safety of our employees is our top priority. We are providing counseling for our team members, and we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement during this investigation.”
Schaffer was working the late shift at Papa John’s on Oct. 20 when two armed robbers entered the restaurant and demanded money. After emptying the register and handing over the money, one of the suspects shot Schaffer. He died at the scene.
Police have arrested 17-year-old Darious Fitzpatrick in connection with the murder. He has been charged with first degree murder, felony murder and especially aggravated robbery.
A second suspect involved in the crime is still at large.
Read more: http://www.wkrn.com
