Waffle House shooting victim’s family asks people to pray for suspect

The family of the Waffle House customer who was shot dead while paying for other patrons’ meals has asked for prayers — for the alleged killer and his loved ones.

Craig “Red” Brewer, 41, was gunned down at the chain’s Gainesville location early Sunday by another patron identified as 25-year-old Ezekiel Hicks, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office said.

“People have been sending their prayers and condolences to our family,” Brewer’s sister, Monique Ross, told ABC News in a Thursday interview.

“So I asked them to pray for his [Hick’s] family as well,” she said. “His family has lost him because I’m sure he’s going to be in prison for a while.”

As a devout Christian, Ross said she doesn’t have any ill will toward Hicks, who faces murder charges.

“I don’t hold any grudges against him,” Ross told ABC News. “I’m not angry with him.”

Police said the fatal shooting occurred when a female customer felt slighted by Brewer’s good deeds. Brewer had paid the bills for other customers and handed out $20 bills to a few patrons, the Gainesville Sun reported.

The disagreement with the woman sparked an argument between Brewer and Hicks, officials said.

Hicks then left the Waffle House and returned with a 9 mm handgun, according to reports.

“Despite the efforts of at least one bystander, the suspect went back inside, approached the victim, and a physical fight started,” the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office said.

During the altercation, Hicks allegedly pulled the handgun on Brewer and fatally shot him in the head, according to police.

Hicks was arrested near the scene and charged with first-degree murder, officials said.