Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Good Samaritan shot dead in Florida after paying for people's meals at Waffle House

Craig Brewer became involved in an altercation with a woman 

Andrew Buncombe
Seattle
Tuesday 09 April 2019 12:19 EDT
Comments
A 25-year-old man has been charged with first degree murder
A 25-year-old man has been charged with first degree murder (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A so-called Good Samaritan has been shot and killed while paying for people’s meals at a Florida restaurant.

Police said Craig Brewer, 41, was killed after getting into an argument at a Waffle House restaurant in Gainesville, located about four miles from the campus of the University of Florida.

Police said Mr Brewer was paying for some of the customers’ meals and “passing out” $20 bills to others when the shooting happened, the Associated Press said.

“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, a spokesman for the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

“It really does make you wonder. How did it go so bad so fast?”

The AP said Mr Brewer became involved in an altercation with a woman because he did not pay for her meal.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Shortly afterwards, a man who was allegedly with the woman, left the restaurant, returned with a gun and shot Mr Brewer.

Police said that 25-year-old Ezekiel Hicks was detained and charged with first degree murder. It is not known whether Mr Hicks has entered a plea or has been assigned a lawyer, following the incident on Sunday morning.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in