A fatal shooting happened Friday morning at Coquette, a popular French restaurant in North Hills, when executive chef George Colom allegedly shot and killed a colleague and injured another before turning the gun on himself. The tragedy occurred shortly before 11 a.m. at 4351 The Circle at North Hills St.
Reports confirmed that Jonathan Schaffer, a staff member at the restaurant, was fatally shot, while another employee, Jonathan Aguilar, sustained injuries during the attack. Coloms, listed as from Hubert, North Carolina, is now in critical condition following a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A Troubled Past
Court records reveal that Coloms has a criminal history. In 2011, he was convicted of possessing a stolen firearm in New Mexico and served three years and four months in federal prison. His legal troubles began in 2010, and his record also includes minor drug charges in North Carolina.
Before his incarceration, Coloms reportedly attended culinary classes at Central New Mexico Community College, honing the skills that would later lead to his role as an executive chef at Coquette. The company has since removed Coloms from their website.
Restaurant Meeting Turned Deadly
Reports indicate that a business meeting was taking place at the restaurant just before the shooting. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and police are investigating the circumstances leading up to the tragic event.
Coquette, known for its upscale French cuisine, has been a staple in Raleigh’s North Hills district.
