Papa John's CEO John Schnatter attends funeral of slain employee

COLUMBIA, Tenn., Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Papa John's CEO John Schnatter attended the funeral of 22-year-old Gordon Schaffer Sunday, who was shot and killed during a late-night robbery.

"We never once imagined that this would touch anyone high up in the Papa John's corporate office, let alone, John Schnatter," Schaffer's sister Devan Cronin wrote on Facebook.

The company released a statement sending their condolences to the Schaffer family.

"We are deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the Schaffer family. The safety of our employees is our top priority. We are providing counseling for our team members, and we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement during this investigation," they wrote.

Papa John's is also covering the medical expenses and the funeral costs for the family.

Police have arrested 17-year-old Darious Fitzpatrick for first-degree murder, felony murder and aggravated robbery. The police are still looking for the second suspect who entered the restaurant with Fitzpatrick.