In the quiet town of Columbia, Tennessee, a senseless act of violence cut short the life of 22-year-old Gordon Schaffer. On the night of October 20, 2014, Schaffer was working at a local Papa John's restaurant when two individuals entered with the intent to rob the establishment. Despite his compliance with their demands, Schaffer was fatally shot.
The young man was discovered by police still conscious and was able to provide a description of his assailants before being airlifted to Vanderbilt Medical Center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The ensuing investigation by the Columbia Police Department quickly led to the identification of two teenage suspects: 17-year-old Darious Fitzpatrick and 16-year-old Kavoyeh Pye. Surveillance footage from the restaurant captured the robbery and shooting, providing crucial evidence for law enforcement. Fitzpatrick was arrested and charged in connection with the murder. Given the severity of the crime, the decision was made to transfer his case from the juvenile court system to the adult criminal court.
Darious Fitzpatrick faced trial for his role in the death of Gordon Schaffer. The legal proceedings culminated in his conviction for first-degree felony murder, second-degree murder, and especially aggravated robbery. For these crimes, the court imposed a significant sentence of life in prison plus an additional twenty years. During the sentencing phase, it was revealed that Fitzpatrick had a history of juvenile delinquency, including prior adjudications for aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery. In a statement, he admitted that the motive for the robbery was to obtain 'more drug money.'
The victim's mother, Mary Buckner, spoke at the trial about the devastating impact of her son's death on their family. She described the defendant as having 'no redeemable qualities' and requested the maximum possible sentence. The case brought attention to the issue of juvenile offenders committing violent crimes and prompted discussions about the juvenile justice system in Tennessee. An accomplice, Kavoyeh Pye, was also charged in connection with the incident.
