Exercising The Right
Murder at the IHOP
In a tragic story out of Hunstville, Alabama, an irate customer opened fire at an International House of Pancakes (IHOP) chain restaurant and killed a much-cherished manager. The Associated Press reported on January 17 about the senseless crime in which the customer, who was described by friends as an “aspiring rapper,” lost his temper owing to an issue he had with a carry-out order and began arguing with a restaurant employee. The customer, later identified as 25-year-old Roderick Turner, yelled at the IHOP staff and then got into a physical scuffle with one of the employees. Turner then went to his car and retrieved a gun.
When Turner returned to the store, the manager, who has worked in restaurant management for most of his adult life, intervened in an effort to de-escalate the situation. Fifty-six-year-old Roy Brown tried to calm Turner down but his efforts failed, and Turner pulled out his gun and began shooting. Brown was fatally wounded and his son, Jay Brown, who was working with his father at the IHOP, was shot in the arm. Fortunately the son had his carry permit and was carrying a concealed handgun. The son pulled out his own gun and returned fire at Turner, fatally wounding him. Police soon arrived, but both the suspect and the elder Brown were pronounced dead at the scene. The son was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment for the injury to his arm and was released after a few days.
Brown’s death was mourned by the local community, who viewed him as a dedicated family man who loved making his customers happy. One Huntsville police officer even began a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral costs, since he was touched by Brown’s hospitality. Huntsville Police Officer James Andrew told the local ABC affiliate that he and his fellow officers ate at that IHOP multiple times and genuinely liked Brown, who they said always went out of his way to be kind. “We’re in IHOP at least four or five nights a week. He always took real good care of us, so we just thought we’d try to do something to help the family…. The family is definitely overwhelmed by all the support from the community…. All three sons worked for IHOP, so it’s really hurt the family all the way around, so anything that they can do to help is greatly appreciated.”
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