Zaxby's employee denied bond after fatal shooting in Fuquay-Varina, NC

An 18-year-old Zaxby's employee was denied bond after fatally shooting a 19-year-old man at a Fuquay-Varina restaurant following a physical altercation.

Fuquay-Varina Zaxby's shooting: employee held without bond after killing

An 18-year-old Zaxby's employee has been ordered held without bond after fatally shooting a 19-year-old man at the restaurant where he worked in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, abc11.com reports.

Otis Johnson and Quanterius Elliott got into a physical altercation at the Zaxby's on 1341 N. Main Street before Johnson fired a weapon. Elliott was killed; Johnson sustained a gunshot wound to the arm.

During Thursday's court appearance in Wake County, Johnson's attorney argued his client had not initiated the confrontation. Elliott, the attorney said, had issued a series of threats before travelling to the restaurant to confront Johnson over a pre-existing dispute involving a coworker.

"Elliott came there after issuing a series of threats," Johnson's attorney told the court. "A physical altercation occurred; a gun was produced."

The defence described the matter as an "exceptional case," noting Johnson had worked at the Zaxby's location for more than two years, had graduated from high school, and had both parents present in court.

Court documents indicate Johnson is also wanted in Myrtle Beach on charges of assault and battery. Elliott had previously been charged in February 2026 with carrying a concealed weapon. It remains unclear who owned the firearm used in the incident or how many shots were fired.

Zaxby's issued a statement saying the company was "aware of and deeply concerned by the incident" and confirmed the franchisee was cooperating with local law enforcement, while citing the ongoing investigation as the reason no further details could be provided. The restaurant remained closed on Thursday morning.

Johnson's family and attorney declined to comment following the hearing. He remains in custody without bond and is scheduled to return to court on 8 October at 9 a.m.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)