Man Shot Co-Worker in Manchester Restaurant After Argument: Court Documents

A 36-year-old father who was shot at a restaurant near Buckland Hills in Manchester on Saturday has died and two of his co-workers have been charged in connection with his death.

The victim, Norris Jackson, of Hartford, was shot at Bonchon Restaurant on Pleasant Valley Road and was transported to Hartford Hospital in critical condition, where he died on Sunday night, according to Manchester Police.

Officers were searching for 28-year-old James Goolsby and his 23-year-old girlfriend, Leanne Robitaille, both of Manchester, in connection with the shooting. They were brought into custody on Tuesday night.

Goolsby was taken into custody on Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford, charged with murder and his bond was set at $1 million, while Robitaille was found at Main and Bond streets in Hartford. She has been charged with hindering prosecution and her bond was set at $100,000.

According to the arrest warrant, multiple witnesses told police that Goolsby, who worked as a kitchen manager, shot Jackson, who worked as a fry cook, in the kitchen of the restaurant.

In an emotional 911 call released to NBC Connecticut witnesses can be heard explaining what happened to emergency dispatchers and begging them to send help.

"My boss literally just shot one of my coworkers," one caller said.

Goolsby’s arrest warrant states that family members told police Goolsby and Robitaille showed up after the shooting. According to the document, Goolsby told both family members he shot a man and said that the guy he shot was "always disrespecting him and his girl at work."

The family members told police Goolsby and Robitaille left without telling anyone where they were going.

Both Goolsby and Robitaille were arrested Tuesday night in Hartford. They are due back in court on Jan. 18.

The case remains under investigation.

The restaurant franchise released the following statement after the shooting:

"We at Bonchon Franchise are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting in Manchester, CT today, and are deeply concerned about the family and friends who are suffering. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and their family as we also respect their privacy during this ordeal."

Contact Us