BRADENTON, Fla. — Deputies have identified the victims of a nightclub shooting in Bradenton early Sunday morning.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives were investigating the shooting at the Touch of Class Lounge in the 5100 block of 14th St. West, Bradenton.
At about 2 a.m., deputies responded to gunshots fired near the club. They discovered 30-year-old Marcese Smith lying in the parking lot with a gunshot wound, surrounded by hundreds of patrons, Sheriff’s Office officials said.
EMS performed lifesaving measures before pronouncing him dead at the scene.
Deputies also learned that Kaya Brooks, 26, and Shalonda Taylor, 23, had also been shot. One of the victims was taken to an area hospital, while the other was taken to a hospital by friends.
Both are expected to survive their injuries and are currently still recovering at the hospital.
It appeared an argument between a group of people inside the club spilled into the parking lot, where multiple gunshots were fired, officials said.
Detectives gathered statements and evidence from the scene and are currently following leads.
They have people of interest, but no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011 to be eligible for a cash reward of $5,000. To remain anonymous and to be eligible for an additional cash reward, contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477 (TIPS).
Brides, families fighting for refunds after event venue closes suddenly
“We’ve struggled so hard to scrape the money to be able to do this for her,” Irizarry said. “She’s my only girl and I wanted this so much for her.”
Couples and families who had weddings and events planned at a well-known venue that abruptly closed claim they’re out thousands of dollars and aren’t being given refunds. Annette Irizarry was supposed to hold her 15-year-old daughter’s quinceañera in August at the Clearwater location and said she’s now out the $6,160 she paid. Without that money, Irizarry said she can’t afford to have her daughter’s celebration somewhere else.
