Two strip club security guards have been charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of a man in the parking lot of XTC Cabaret in northwest Dallas on January 1. According to the police, a fight started outside of the strip club at around 3:00 a.m. and ended in gunshots.
Investigators on the scene eventually determined that an argument involving a 34-year-old man attracted the attention of several security officers, both armed and unarmed. The guards tried to stop the victim from leaving the scene. He ignored their attempts and tried to drive away from the scene, when security guards Daterrious Haggard and Eric Hansen began firing at the victim's truck.
The 34-year-old victim, whose name has not been released, was shot several times and crashed into several parked cars in the lot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators, both Haggard and Hansen were interviewed and both admitted to firing their weapons at the victim. Detectives also watched a video from social media which showed a major portion of the shooting. Both guards were arrested and will be charged with murder.
Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam represents shooting victims and their families in civil courts, helping them find the justice and support they deserve. We've asked him to share some insight into bar and nightclub owner liability for shootings:
Providing proper security is a key responsibility for any bar or nightclub owner. The safety of guests and employees must be a top priority, and this all starts with making sure a strong security plan is in place - including competent security staff. In the aftermath of a shooting at a bar or nightclub, it's important to determine if the owners did enough to keep the premises secure and reduce the risk of violent crime.
In cases where inadequate security or another form of negligence played a role in enabling a shooting to occur, the victims and their families may have grounds for a lawsuit against the property owner.
If you or a loved one has been wounded or killed in a bar or nightclub shooting, the legal system can help your family find justice. Contact one of our experienced crime victim attorneys to learn more about your family's legal options.