KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Although police haven't released a motive yet, the mother of the suspect in the
Knoxville Center Mall shooting says her son was a "displeased customer" of the menswear store where an employee was killed.
Gladys Johnson, who spoke to 6 News by phone Thursday,says she was shocked when she learnedher son, William Johnson,was charged in the shooting at Reno Menswear.
A Renoemployee, Ahmad Nahl, wasshot and killedWednesday afternoon. William Johnson is charged with onecount offelony murder.
Gladys Johnsonsays there wasan ongoing incident between her son and the storeover three suits he purchased there for a total ofnearly$1,000.
She saystwo of the suits weretailored incorrectly and the third suit wasmisplaced,buther son was denied a refund.
Gladys Johnsonsaysher sonhas a handgun permit, butrarely carried a gun.
Sheadds thathedoesn'thave a temper and always makes people laugh.
William Johnson was charged withassaultin Knox County in 1991. However, the chargewas later dismissed.
His mother also says he's the father ofa seven-year-old child.
