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Avalon nightclub shooting victim’s family frustrated by search for suspect

Ceilin Smith was one of two security guards shot and killed outside of a nightclub in June. His family said more should be done to track down and arrest the suspect.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The city of Columbus is working to shut down Avalon nightclub two months after two security guards were shot and killed outside, and two others were injured. 

Police identified the suspect as 26-year-old Jaquez Hoover. They said he ran up to the entrance of the club and opened fire.

Hoover is charged with two counts of murder and remains at large.

The family of one of the victims in the shooting, Ceilin Smith, said they believe more should be done to track Hoover down.

RELATED: City files motion of contempt to close Columbus nightclub with history of violent crime

"It feels weird knowing that somebody took my father and he's still just out doing what he wants,” Smith’s 17-year-old daughter Jalyne, said.

"I actually feel like we're not important, like he's not important,” Jewel Simpson, the mother of Smith’s children, said.

Simpson said she and Smith were high school sweethearts and they share three children together. Simpson said her family feels they’re being kept in the dark on the investigation.

"People talk and it's like, I really do hear them talking about, he's been on the east side of Columbus, and it's just like, how are other people spotting him but the police aren't?" Simpson said.

The club remained open since the shooting, but last Friday, the city attorney’s office filed a motion seeking the closure of the nightclub. This comes after multiple violations of court orders and nearly 30 calls for service since January of last year.

"Them reopening. it just shows a lack of respect for the lives that were lost,” Simpson said.

Knowing Hoover is still on the run, Simpson shared a message she has for him.

"Just turn yourself in… You know what you did, you've already been identified,” Simpson said.

After two months, Smith’s family hopes an arrest can finally be made to bring justice and closure to their family.

"I know it would make my dad happy and his family happy knowing that the person who took him is not just walking around here freely,” Smith said.

A contempt hearing in this case is expected to be held next week.

10TV reached out to Columbus police on Friday and Monday for an update on this case. Late Tuesday morning, the agency put out a release saying they are looking for the public's help in locating Hoover. 

Anyone who sees Hoover is asked to contact Columbus police and not approach him directly as he is considered armed and dangerous.

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