Club Exotic killing linked to retaliation

SMITH COUNTY — Arrest documents related to the deadly Smith County shooting in March indicate that the man charged with murder acted in retaliation for a gang shooting that occurred in December. On March 22, Smith County deputies responded to a shooting at Club Exotic on State Highway 64 West in Tyler. Witnesses reported that a man wearing a ski mask jumped onto the hood of a car and yelled, “Y’all going to die for 38!” and “If y’all ain’t gang, move.” The Smith County Sheriff’s Office believes that “38” likely refers to Aaron Jackson, who was killed at the Valley Blues Club.

The suspect, identified as Andru Davis, then began firing into the crowd, injuring four people. Among those injured were Keundas Sandford and Keoin Dewayne Redd, both of whom died from gunshot wounds at the scene.

Following an investigation, they found that Davis and the second suspect, Brandon Young, were a part of the Shoot First Nation West Side Rollin’ 60’s Crips and had gone to Houston following the shooting.

The days-long search came to an end after they tracked them to an apartment complex. Young was taken into custody without incident was booked into the Smith County Jail for engaging in organized criminal activity and deadly conduct.

Davis fled the scene but was apprehended shortly by a police K-9 and taken into custody. Due to being bitten, Davis was transported to a local hospital.

While being arrested, Davis reportedly asked a trooper, “If I point at one person and shoot another person, how many years would I get?” According to the affidavit, Davis had looked it up on his phone, which said it was a second-degree felony and would only be a two to 20 year sentence.

Davis also said there was no evidence and no cameras at the scene of the shooting.

Davis was initially booked into the Harris County Jail and was brought to the Smith County Jail on Friday, where he is being held on a $1.5 million bond.

When asked whether more retaliation could follow, the sheriff’s office said they’re taking active steps to get gang members off the streets.