Rapper’s guard says he didn’t start the nightclub shooting

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Recently obtained court records show a rapper’s bodyguard told police that he didn’t start the shooting at a Little Rock nightclub last year that left more than two dozen people injured.

Police arrested Kentrell Dominique Gwynn, 26, in the July 1 shooting at Power Ultra Lounge. He faces 10 counts of aggravated assault.

Gwynn told investigators he panicked after hearing gunfire and began shooting at people running toward the club’s stage, where Memphis rapper Ricky Hampton was performing, according to court documents obtained Monday. Gwynn told police he was hired security for the rapper, who is also known as “Finese2Tymes.”

Police said there’s no evidence to suggest anyone was firing at the stage, but authorities did find several strikes on the dance floor in front of the stage that appeared consistent with bullet strikes, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

“Mr. Gwynn does not know if he hit anyone when he was shooting because he blacked out,” according to court documents.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Investigators spoke with Hampton days after the shooting. The rapper told police the shooting started in the crowd and that he did not believe the gunfire was aimed at the stage, according to a police affidavit.

“Mr. Hampton stated he saw Mr. Gwynn pointing his gun at the crowd while shielding him but he did not see him shoot,” the affidavit said. Hampton told police he and Gwynn ran from the club.

Police have also arrested Tyler Clay Jackson, 19, who is accused of being the initial shooter. Jackson told police he fired about 10 shots at the club, according to court records.

Police said the shooting involved rival gangs but didn’t disclose which gangs were involved. Local, state and federal authorities formed a task force after the shooting to target gangs and violent crime in Little Rock.

___

Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com

The Associated Press