The Amarillo Police Department (APD) has released additional information about the fatal shooting that occurred Saturday night on the 700 block of Polk Street. The incident, which left one person dead and eight others injured, has raised concerns about public safety in Amarillo’s downtown nightlife district.
Victim and Suspects Identified
The victim has been identified as John Love Louima, 25, originally from Haiti. Louima was in the United States on a work visa and was staying with family in Amarillo. APD has contacted his mother, who lives in Haiti, to notify her of her son’s death.
Two suspects, Robert Kenney Knox, 23, and Nahryah Hilesta Ines Hayes, 21, have been arrested and charged with murder. In addition, they face eight counts of deadly conduct/discharge of a firearm. Both are being held at the Potter County Detention Center.
A third person who was in the suspects’ vehicle has been charged with public intoxication. APD clarified that their investigation found no evidence linking this individual to the shooting itself. “He was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Lt. James Clements, APD Homicide Unit Commander.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred when a vehicle pulled into the center lane of Polk Street, near a crowded nightclub entrance. From the vehicle, 15 rounds were fired into the group of people gathered outside.
Lt. Clements stated that the weapon used was an “AR-style platform, pistol-style firearm,” which was legally purchased. Preliminary investigations suggest that the victims were not involved in an earlier altercation inside the nightclub.
Chief Martin Birkenfeld described the shooting as “hate-fueled anger,” calling the violence “stupid, ugly, and impulsive.” He added that the suspects had left the nightclub following an altercation but returned later to carry out the attack.
“This was an intentional act that endangered countless innocent lives,” Birkenfeld said.
Medical Response Prevents Further Tragedy
Emergency responders were on the scene within four minutes of the initial 911 calls, a rapid response that Chief Birkenfeld credited with saving lives.
APD officers used trauma medical bags equipped with tourniquets and other critical tools to stabilize the injured until paramedics arrived. “I believe we used four or five of those medical bags,” Birkenfeld said. “The firefighters and paramedics also did an incredible job working alongside our officers to provide life-saving care.”
Although eight people were injured in the attack, law enforcement confirmed that medical intervention has significantly improved their conditions. “We do not expect their conditions to deteriorate further,” Lt. Clements said.
Investigation and Public Assistance
APD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Law enforcement is reviewing surveillance footage and has requested additional photos or videos from the public to build a complete timeline of the incident.
Police commended a citizen who followed the suspects’ vehicle and reported its location to 911, leading to the suspects’ swift arrest. “We’re very proud of that individual,” Birkenfeld said. “Their quick thinking and bravery helped us resolve this case in minutes instead of hours or days.”
Focus on Public Safety and Accountability
While officers typically monitor the Polk Street area on busy weekend nights, none were available to patrol the district Saturday due to other obligations. Chief Birkenfeld acknowledged the challenge of balancing resources but reaffirmed the department’s commitment to public safety.
The investigation will also examine the nightclub’s alcohol service permits. “We want businesses to thrive, but not at the cost of public safety,” Birkenfeld said. He added that while the nightclub’s role will be reviewed, the primary blame lies with the shooters.
“The best we can do is hold people accountable for gun violence,” Birkenfeld said. “Over the last few years, we’ve put significant resources into combating violent crime, including increasing the number of detectives in our Homicide Unit and building a real-time crime center to provide faster information to officers.”
Community Impact and Moving Forward
This tragic shooting highlights the need for community cooperation and vigilance. Amarillo police urged residents to report suspicious activity and provide any evidence that could aid investigations.
“We’ve got to do better as a community,” Birkenfeld said. “It’s easy to want to place blame in one place, but the real responsibility lies with those who choose violence. Together, we must address this issue.”
Law enforcement also highlighted the need for improved preventive measures, including increased police presence in high-traffic areas and better coordination with local businesses.
Homicide Unit Commended for High Clearance Rate
APD’s Homicide Unit, comprised of six officers, has an impressive clearance rate of 88%, significantly higher than the state average of 53.1%. This level of success underscores the department’s dedication to solving violent crimes.
The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Amarillo Police Department or submit evidence through their online portal.
0 Comments