A wife and husband in Virginia are behind bars after they allegedly stabbed a pizza shop employee for incorrectly making their order, reports claim.
The upset wife, Catherine Harper, 45, reportedly called her husband Corey Harper, 47, to come “handle the situation” on Nov. 17 around 2:30 p.m. after a 24-year-old male worker at Mods Pizza in Norfolk “botched” her order.
Reports state Corey came to the restaurant and stabbed the worker several times, additionally slicing them across the stomach and exposing their intestines.
“The Victim was stabbed several times, in the back, in the front, and one long cut across the torso exposing the Victim’s intestines,” a police report states, according to The Mirror, adding the assailants then “left the scene.” It’s unclear whether they left with a pizza.
The victim reportedly hospitalized suffering non-life threatening injuries.
A Norfolk General District Court judge held the couple without bond on Monday considering the heinous nature of the crime.
The Harpers are facing multiple charges over the disturbing incident, with the Mirror noting Corey’s “facing felony charges of malicious wounding and brandishing a firearm,” while his wife is charged with “conspiracy to commit malicious wounding.”
The situation shocked members of the community, with one neighbor of the Harpers remarking it seemed “out of character” for them.
Mods Pizza, a Seattle-based chain, released a statement saying they were “dismayed” by the incident and appearing to blame the worker for sparking the situation, saying it would work to train workers on de-escalating conflicts with customers.
Via the Daily Mail:
‘The altercation resulted in one of our MOD squad members being hospitalized and the arrest of one of the guests. Please understand this is an active investigation and we are cooperating with the local police.
‘While our team member recuperates in the hospital, we are conducting our due diligence and will make a well-thought-out decision about this situation.
‘MOD Pizza has zero tolerance for behavior that escalates conflicts, whether initiated by a guest or a team member.
‘Moments like these force organizations to re-examine employee training and look for ways to reinforce values and expectations. We are fully cooperating with the Norfolk Police Department in their investigation.
‘Our top priority is creating a fun and inspiring place to work and a great place to eat.’
The Harpers’ first court date is set for Jan. 1, 2025.