COLUMBIA, Tenn. – The suspect accused of fatally shooting a Papa John’s employee during a robbery in Maury County has pleaded not guilty.
An arraignment was held Monday for Darious Fitzpatrick, who’s been charged with murder in the shooting death of 22-year-old Gordon "Gordo" Schaffer.
Fitzpatrick appeared via video where he pleaded not guilty in court and was appointed an attorney.
Officials with Columbia Police said Fitzpatrick was one of two armed men who burst into a Papa John’s last year demanding money.
Schaffer, who was the manager, complied with their demands but was still shot. He was transported by LifeFlight medical helicopter to Vanderbilt University Medical Center but died a short time later.
According to authorities, Fitzpatrick was 17-years-old when he admitted to shooting and killing Schaffer.
“A couple of months ago, his case was transferred from juvenile court to adult court and today was the first step of prosecuting him in adult court,” said District Attorney General Brent Cooper.
Fitzpatrick is also facing charges for two armed robberies of Dollar General Stores. Prior to the incidents, he was sentenced in juvenile court for a Cash Express robbery in 2013.
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