As a former smoker, I can fully appreciate that there are times when you really need a cigarette, but I was never so desperate to smoke that I felt a need to kill another person.
But that’s exactly what authorities in Biloxi, Mississippi say happened around 1 a.m Friday morning when a customer lit up a cigarette. The man, identified as Johnny Mount, lit a cigarette and was asked by a waitress to extinguish it. He was also told he would have to step outside the restaurant if he wanted to smoke. An argument started, and Mount pulled out a 9mm handgun he had hidden under his shirt and shot the waitress in the head.
The waitress was taken to a local hospital, but died as a result of her injuries.
When he attempted to leave the restaurant, Mount was arrested and taken into custody. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held on $2 million bond.
Waffle House released a statement today in which they commented:
“This senseless tragedy is a shock for the Waffle House family. Julie was a friend to many as well as a valued member of the Waffle House team. She will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with her family, friends, co-workers and customers.”
And in perhaps the ultimate irony for Mr. Mount, he is in now incarcerated and tobacco is not allowed in any Mississippi jail or prison.
