Norris Jackson, a 36-year-old Black male, was working as a cook at the Bonchon Chicken restaurant in Manchester, Connecticut, on December 30, 2017, when a dispute with the restaurant's manager escalated into a fatal encounter. Just before noon, an argument broke out between Jackson and the manager, James Goolsby. Witnesses reported that the disagreement was sparked by Goolsby's anger over a negative online review of the restaurant.
The verbal altercation quickly turned violent.
Another cook who was present stated that Jackson had stepped in to defend him after Goolsby became upset about the review. Although Jackson appeared ready to fight, he did not physically touch Goolsby before the manager produced a gun and opened fire. Jackson was shot four times. He was rushed to the hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on December 31, 2017. He was a father and was remembered for his love of family, cooking, and the Dallas Cowboys.
Following the shooting, the suspect, 28-year-old James Goolsby, fled the scene with the help of his girlfriend, 23-year-old Leanne Robitaille, who also worked at the restaurant. A manhunt was initiated, and police considered both suspects to be armed and dangerous. On January 2, 2018, Goolsby was located and arrested at a warming center in Hartford. Robitaille turned herself in to the authorities shortly after his capture. Goolsby was charged with murder, and Robitaille was charged with hindering prosecution for her role in helping him escape. Goolsby's attorney later acknowledged that his client was the shooter but argued that he did not intend to kill Jackson and that the situation "got out of control."
