Wichita, KS - One Dead and Five Injured in Shooting at Enigma Club & Lounge

Nightclub Shooting Leaves One Dead and Five Injured

According to ABC News, a shooting occurred at the downtown nightclub, Enigma Club & Lounge, located at 351 N Mosley St, Wichita, KS 67202. 

Police responded to a shooting at the nightclub that happened around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2021. Police arrived to find one victim who had died from a gunshot wound and five others suffering from serious injuries caused by the gunfire. The victims were taken o the hospital for treatment and are expected to recover. 

Witnesses allege that the suspect, who had been kicked out of the nightclub for fighting, had returned and opened fire on the front of the club.  The suspect has been identified as Keshawn Maurice Dawson but has not been taken into custody.

Dawson, a convicted felon, was already wanted on two felony arrest warrants. 

Legal Options of Victims Shot in a Nightclub

Attorney contributor Reed Martens is an experienced violent crimes lawyer who has represented victims of shootings and their families in civil lawsuits. During a recent interview, Mr. Martens provided commentary on victims' legal rights shot at a nightclub.

"Nightclub owners are legally obligated to protect the customers and staff on and around their property. Nightclub owners should provide adequate security in order to ensure this safety and prevent crime from taking place on the property. Examples of preventative security measures could include a well-lit environment, security cameras, and trained security guards. However, if someone is injured on the property and the nightclub owners had failed to provide adequate security, that victim and their family could have grounds for a civil lawsuit."

"Additionally, if the crime is deemed reasonably foreseeable or the property owner has been deemed negligent, the nightclub owner could be held liable in a lawsuit. A foreseeable crime could include if previous crimes occurred near the property or if there was an increase of crime in the area, but the owners failed to improve the property's security. If a victim's attorney proves the crime was indeed preventable and occurred due to lack of security and the property owner's neglect, the nightclub owner could be considered liable. In cases such as this, victims and their families could be eligible to receive compensation for damages." 

Sources:

ABC News