Suspects Arrested After Terrifying Shooting Outside Texas Nightclub

A deadly shooting outside an Amarillo, Texas nightclub left one dead and nine injured, sparking concerns about public safety.

Key Takeaways

One person was killed and eight were injured in a shooting outside a nightclub in Amarillo, Texas.
Three suspects were arrested, including the alleged shooter, Robert Kenney Knox.
The shooting is believed to stem from an earlier altercation inside the club.
The Amarillo Police Department held a press conference to inform the public on their findings.

Tragic Incident Unfolds in Amarillo

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a shocking act of violence shattered the peace in Amarillo, Texas. At approximately 2:00 a.m., gunfire erupted outside Bodega’s nightclub on the 700 block of S. Polk Street, leaving one person dead and eight others injured. The incident has left the community reeling.

The deceased victim was identified as 25-year-old John Love Louima, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Six of the injured were transported to local hospitals by emergency services, while three others arrived by private vehicles. The Amarillo Police Department (APD) reported that the surviving victims were in “various stages of medical treatment” and expected to recover.

Swift Action Leads to Arrests

In a display of community vigilance, a civilian followed the suspects’ vehicle after the shooting, enabling law enforcement to quickly locate and apprehend the alleged perpetrators. Three individuals were arrested in connection with the incident: Robert Kenney Knox, 23, Nahryah Hilesta Ines Hayes, 21, and Britt Brinson Cave, 22.

Knox and Hayes face serious charges, including murder and multiple counts of “deadly conduct/discharge of a firearm.” Cave was charged with public intoxication. The swift arrests highlight the importance of community cooperation in maintaining public safety.

1 dead, 8 injured after shooting at Amarillo, Texas nightclub, police say https://t.co/BZjZ7yPZqo

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) January 27, 2025

Investigation Underway

The Amarillo Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. A press conference was held on Monday, January 27, during which authorities stated their investigation found that the incident stemmed from an altercation that occurred inside the nightclub earlier in the evening over flirting with women. The suspects then allegedly returned and fired 15 rounds into the crowd outside the venue.

Law enforcement officials have recovered a firearm, shell casings, and other evidence from the scene. Amarillo Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld expressed gratitude to a witness who put themselves at risk following the suspects in order to help police capture them.

As the investigation continues, the Amarillo community stands united in support of the victims and their families. This tragic event underscores the need for ongoing efforts to address the root causes of violence and to preserve the safety of all citizens in public spaces.