Autopsy Reveals Raleigh Restaurant Shooting Victim Shot 8 Times

One year after deadly incident at Coquette restaurant, business struggles to recover

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:47pm

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The autopsy report of Jonathan Schaffer, who was killed in a shooting at Raleigh's Coquette restaurant last year, has revealed he was shot at least eight times. The shooting, carried out by the restaurant's head chef George Colom Jr., also left another employee injured before Colom took his own life. One year later, the restaurant's owner says business is down 25% as they continue to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy.

Why it matters

The deadly shooting at Coquette restaurant has had a lasting impact on the local community, both in terms of the tragic loss of life and the ongoing financial and operational challenges facing the business. The autopsy report provides further details on the severity of the incident, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the trauma experienced by all involved.

The details

According to police, on January 17, 2025, George Colom Jr., the head chef at Coquette restaurant in Raleigh's North Hills neighborhood, arrived at work with a gun and shot two of his coworkers. Jonathan Schaffer was killed at the scene, while another employee was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Colom then took his own life. Police have not released a motive for the shooting.

  • The shooting occurred on January 17, 2025.
  • The autopsy report on Jonathan Schaffer was released one year later, on February 6, 2026.

The players

Jonathan Schaffer

The victim who was killed in the shooting at Coquette restaurant.

George Colom Jr.

The head chef at Coquette restaurant who carried out the shooting, killing Schaffer and injuring another employee before taking his own life.

Kevin Jennings

The owner of Coquette restaurant, who says the business has struggled financially in the aftermath of the shooting, with a 25% drop in sales.

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What they’re saying

“It's difficult in sales, staffing, that kind of thing. But ultimately Jonathan's family paid the ultimate price.”

— Kevin Jennings, Owner, Coquette restaurant (WRAL News)

What’s next

The restaurant's owner, Kevin Jennings, says he is optimistic about the restaurant's future, despite the ongoing challenges. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragic shooting.

The takeaway

The deadly shooting at Coquette restaurant has had a profound impact on the local community, both in terms of the tragic loss of life and the ongoing financial and operational challenges facing the business. The autopsy report provides further details on the severity of the incident, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the trauma experienced by all involved.