Waffle House murder victim was paying for others' meals, handing out cash
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Authorities in Florida say a 41-year-old man was fatally shot after he got into an argument with a man at a restaurant.
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office says Craig Brewer was shot and killed early Sunday at a Waffle House restaurant in Gainesville, located about four miles from the University of Florida campus.
Deputies say that Brewer was paying for some customers' meals and 'passing out' $20 bills to other customers when the shooting happened.
“This is an individual that has a family and how this went from something that could have been good to something so tragic so fast, we simply have to find that out,” said Lt. Brett Rhodenizer, public information officer for the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
A female customer reportedly got into a verbal altercation with Brewer because he did not pay for her meal.
“It really does make you wonder,” said Lt. Rhodenizer. “How did it go so bad so fast?”
25-year-old Ezekiel Hicks was said to be at the restaurant with the female involved in the altercation. So, Hicks then also began arguing with Brewer. At one point, Hicks exited the Waffle House on his own and armed himself with a 9mm Glock pistol.
Upon re-entering the Waffle House, the arrest report stated that Hicks approached Brewer. They became engaged in a physical altercation, which only lasted a few seconds, as Hicks soon fired multiple rounds into Brewer.
Surveillance video captured the shooting. Hicks was arrested near the restaurant.
Deputies say they were able to respond and arrest Hicks quickly because they were already on their way to the Waffle House. Employees initially called 911 because there were too many customers inside, overcrowding the restaurant.
Deputies say Hicks admitted to shooting Brewer, the arrest report stated. Brewer was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hicks is facing first-degree murder and unlicensed firearm charges.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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