(WJBF Channel 6)
Local News
24-year-olds Andre Harris, Jr. and Likenzie Holliday were fatally shot at a birthday celebration at Club Dynasty in Waynesboro Sunday, October 19, 2014.
According to WRDW News, a argument erupted on the dance floor of Dynasty night club shortly before 4:00am Sunday morning. Witnesses allege a fight broke out during a twerking contest, “Somebody pushed somebody and they pushed back and they didn’t like and everybody pulled out guns and somebody got killed.”
24-year-olds Andre Harris, Jr. and Likenzie Holliday reportedly perished at the scene. A third victim was apparently struck by a car as club goers fled the chaotic scene. That person was transported to the hospital with injuries.
Club Dynasty, at 346 Lawson Road, apparently closed down years ago and has since operated as a venue for private parties, per media reports.
The incident is the second Burke County nightclub shooting of the weekend, both of which media report began with an argument.
Police have since charged a suspect with murder and possession of a firearm during a crime in connection with the Club Dynasty shooting.
Our Legal Take
While relieved a suspect is now custody, The Murray Law Firm is questioning whether the owner and management of Club Dynasty may also hold responsibility in this tragedy.
Having shut its doors as a nightclub years prior, does the venue have proper licensing to hold such gatherings until 4:00am? Was alcohol being served at the venue and, if so, is this within the venue’s licensing?
Were those involved in the initial dispute intoxicated at the time of the shooting and, if so, was a licensed bartender on duty to monitor patron consumption of alcohol? Were security or management on duty at the time of the initial altercation and, if so, what efforts were made to deescalate the situation and safely and separately remove all parties involved? Were police called at the start of the initial altercation?
What efforts were made by the owner and management to deter violence on property following the previous Burke County nightclub shooting? How did firearms gain entry to the venue? What weapons screening procedures, such as bag checks and metal detectors, were performed upon entry?
A pedestrian was reportedly struck in the parking lot as patrons fled the scene. Were nightclub security or management present to assist in crowd control? What parking lot security measures, such as bright lighting, were in place to protect patrons as they exited to their vehicles?
By law, Georgia nightclub owners have a duty to protect all patrons legally on their premises from any foreseeable harm. Should they fail in this duty, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or deaths that occur as a consequence.
Given the recent history of nightclub violence in Burke County, the families of Mr. Harris and Mr. Holliday may elect to hold the owner and management of Club Dynasty civilly liable for their wrongful deaths, should their negligence have contributed to this shooting. Additionally, the injured pedestrian may also elect to file claims for any injuries suffered.
Claims of this magnitude, potentially in the millions of dollars, will demand all Burke County nightclub owners reevaluate security and finally make patron safety their first priority.
As multiple parties are involved, insurance coverage will certainly be limited. All victims should retain an experienced premises liability firm immediately to ensure all evidence is preserved and their best interests protected.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting victims of nightclub violence and property negligence and we offer our legal expertise, if needed. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us at 706.494.2800. Consultations are free and confidential.
