Rob Selkow Reporting
rselkow@clarksvillenow.com
COLUMBIA, Tenn. The family of a Papa John’s employee who was killed in a robbery in Columbia Monday is speaking out about the tragedy.
Devan Cronin of Clarksville is the sister of Gordon Schaffer, 22, who was shot during a robbery at a Papa John’s. He was the only employee on the premises when two masked men entered the business and demanded he open the cash register. Though he complied, the suspects shot him in the chest and he died at Vanderbilt Medical Center.
Cronin made an emotional statement at a press conference held by the Columbia Police Department Thursday. “Our family had their only son stolen and my brother died alone due to the cowardly acts of several individuals,” Cronin said.
Gordon Schaffer’s sister, Devan Cronin, speaks during a press conference Thursday./WKRN News 2
17-year-old Darious Fitzpatrick was arrested Wednesday by Columbia Police and charged with first degree murder, felony murder, and especially aggravated robbery in Schaffer’s death.
He also faces aggravated robbery charges for two separate Dollar General store robberies last week.
Rodney Harvell, 18, was arrested Wednesday in connection with one of those robberies but so far has not been charged in the homicide.
Reading a statement on behalf of her family, Cronin said, “It is our family’s hope that justice is served and the ones responsible for this receive the maximum punishment allowed by law.”
Police are still searching for the second suspect who was captured by surveillance video.
In an interview with Clarksvillenow.com, Cronin described her younger brother as “the kind of person who lived in the moment. Kind of the hippie kid, who spent his time going out, going to music festivals like Bonnaroo.” Cronin said she wants her brother to be remembered as a kind and giving person.
Visitation for Schaffer will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Spring Hill Memorial. His funeral will immediately follow. Papa John’s has offered to cover the costs of medical bills and the funeral.
A GoFundMe account has been established to pay for the cost of a trip to Seattle where Schaffer’s ashes will be spread. Cronin said he was planning to move there next spring.
WKRN contributed to this report.