COLUMBUS, Ohio — A Franklin County judge issued a $3 million bond for a man suspected of shooting and killing another man at a now-former after-hours club on the city’s east side.
Nicholas Wright, 30, appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court a day after he was arrested and charged with one count each of murder and probation violation. The murder charge stemmed from the shooting death of 39-year-old Dante Gamble on Feb. 11.
Officers were called to Luxxe Lounge on Beechwood Road after receiving reports of a shooting. Gamble was found shot and medics transported him to Mount Carmel East where he later died.
Court records state that Gamble was leaving the club to walk to another business on East Livingston Avenue.
A man dressed in all black passed Gamble on the right side. At the same time, another man dressed in a blue and white sweatsuit walked down steps with a handgun in his right hand.
Court records state that after pushing past and bumping Gamble, the man dressed in all black fired several times at Gamble. At the same time, the man dressed in a blue and white sweatsuit turned and fired several times at Gamble.
Police said after the shooting, a few patrons of the club attempted to help Gamble and other patrons could be seen on video leaving before officers arrived.
Gamble was taken to Mount Carmel East where he later died.
Detectives obtained video of the shooting and after interviewing witnesses, Wright was identified as the shooter.
He is scheduled to appear in court again for a preliminary hearing on March 15.
The City of Columbus shut down Luxxe Lounge days after the deadly shooting. City officials said the club has been on the city’s radar since last year for illegal after-hours sales and gun-related police runs.