A devastating and shocking crime unfolded at the Coquette Brasserie restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Friday, leaving one employee dead, another injured, and a community in shock. According to witnesses, George Colom, the executive chef at Coquette, entered the restaurant before 11 a.m. and fatally shot Jonathan Schaffer, a fellow employee. Colom then shot Jonathan Aguilar, another employee, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

After the shootings, Colom turned the gun on himself and remains in critical condition, according to Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson. Chief Patterson stated that all shots were fired inside the restaurant and the incident appeared to stem from a personal dispute. She emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The Raleigh Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Chief Patterson has assured the public that no additional threats exist, and authorities are working to provide clarity to the community. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Raleigh Police Department or submit tips anonymously.

As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock, grappling with the senseless violence that has shaken their lives. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jonathan Schaffer, and we hope that justice will be served in this tragic case.

_IN-DEPTH LOOK AT GEORGE COLOM’S BACKGROUND_

George Colom, the executive chef at Coquette Brasserie, has a notable criminal history. In September 2024, Colom was involved in a crash in Orange County, North Carolina, and pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of an accident. He was ordered to pay $193 in court costs.

In January 2011, Colom was convicted in federal court for possessing a stolen firearm in New Mexico. He was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. The charges stemmed from a 2010 incident.

After his release from federal prison, Colom returned to North Carolina and transitioned into the restaurant industry. According to his LinkedIn profile, he initially worked in the Wilmington area before moving to the Raleigh-Durham region around 2017.

Before his incarceration, Colom reportedly attended culinary classes at Central New Mexico Community College, where he honed his skills as a chef. His social media accounts feature photos of his culinary creations alongside images of firearms tagged with evidence markers from the U.S. Department of Justice.

State court records indicate that Colom is originally from Hubert, Onslow County, North Carolina, near the coast. His record also includes minor drug charges.

_INVESTIGATION UPDATE_

The investigation into the fatal shooting is ongoing, with the Raleigh Police Department working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Authorities are reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the motive behind the crime.

“We are following up on several leads and interviewing multiple witnesses,” said Chief Estella Patterson. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served in this case.”

_COMMUNITY REACTION_

The community is reeling from this senseless act of violence, with many expressing shock and sadness at the loss of Jonathan Schaffer. Friends and family have taken to social media to pay tribute to the victim, remembering him as a kind and talented individual.

“Jonathan was an amazing person, with a heart of gold,” said a friend. “He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.”

A candlelight vigil is being planned for tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the North Hills shopping center, to honor the memory of Jonathan Schaffer.

As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock, grappling with the senseless violence that has shaken their lives. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jonathan Schaffer, and we hope that justice will be served in this tragic case.