CMPD

Derrick Lamont Gregory

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Witnesses and co-workers say the shooting deaths of two Moe’s managers on Thursday appears to be cold-hearted revenge for getting fired. An employee says word around Moe's is that Derrick Gregory told people he was coming back to hurt them.

Gregory, 28, has no history of trouble until his arrest Thursday for allegedly murdering two former co-workers at Moe's Southwest Grill.

He doesn't have an arrest record or convictions in North Carolina. What he does have is a gun permit from Mecklenburg County.

It was approved March 25 to purchase, but not to conceal.

The Sheriff's Office says Gregory met all conditions, including passing a criminal background check, and he isn't considered mentally ill.

Now charged with a horrible crime, Gregory was a crime victim last year.

Police reports show someone broke into his apartment and stole video game systems and cash.

Neighbors say he was quiet but nice and always said “hi” as he walked towards the bus stop, always carrying a book bag with him.

That burglary report says Gregory once worked at McCormick and Schmick. Neighbors say he applied for a job at an IHOP two weeks ago.

That's around the same time Gregory was fired at Moe's, where he did food preparation. Witnesses say Gregory got into a fight with some of his co-workers.

"Three weeks ago, there was a fight and we think this may be related to the fight on the patio, there were two managers that were fighting with another gentleman and that gentleman looked, of course from a couple hundred feet away, to be the same man,” said witness Emily Partin, who works across the street.

Right now, police aren't talking about a motive and haven't confirmed the co-worker’s story about Gregory’s alleged threats to his bosses.