A Zaxby's employee will remain in custody on no bond after a deadly shooting at the restaurant where his lawyer says he worked. 

Otis Johnson, 18, made a first court appearance on Thursday. He's charged with murder in the shooting death of Quanterius Elliott, 19, according to court documents. 

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Officers responded to the Zaxby's on N. Main Street in Fuquay-Varina around 5:40 Wednesday evening. Investigators said a confrontation leading up to the shooting initially began Tuesday, and later escalated at the fast-food restaurant on Wednesday, when the two got into a fight. 

During the fight, Johnson fired a gun, shooting himself and Elliott, who later died upon arrival at the hospital, a spokesperson for the Town of Fuquay-Varina said in a statement. 

"This tragic event has deeply affected the community, the families involved, and the employees of Zaxby’s. We ask that the community keep everyone involved in their prayers during this incredibly difficult time," the statement said. 

Johnson appeared in Wake County District Court on Thursday with a cast around his arm. His lawyer said Elliott confronted Johnson after recently threatening him. 

"I do believe this is an exceptional circumstance," a lawyer for Johnson said. "This is not an incident that Mr. Johnson initiated in any way. In fact, he was being threatened by the alleged victim over the course of the previous day."

A lawyer for Johnson went on to say that the fight was over a "coworker." 

Johnson's parents sat in court during Thursday's hearing. On Wednesday, Johnson's father spoke with WRAL at the shooting scene, claiming his son fired the gun in self-defense.

"...he's at work. You shouldn't be getting attacked while you're at your job," Otis Johnson Sr. said. WRAL spoke with a man over the phone on Thursday claiming to be a relative of Elliott's. The man disputed the self-defense claim and did not wish to speak about the shooting. 

A Zaxby's spokesperson told WRAL in a statement that the shooting has left the company "deeply concerned." 

"The franchisee is cooperating with local law enforcement. Because this is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide additional details at this time," the statement read. 

A judge sided with prosecutors in maintaining no bond for Johnson, who is due back in court next month.