Deandre Montgomery Sr., 38, was fatally shot outside the Jade Fox Lounge on Lakeland Highlands Road in the early morning hours of February 22, 2026. Officers responding to multiple gunshots found Montgomery near his silver Dodge pickup shortly after 2:00 a.m.; he died at Lakeland Regional Health despite emergency treatment.

Investigators say evidence and witness statements indicated the victim knew his assailant. Friends told police Montgomery had been supportive of the man later identified as the suspect, including offering him a place to stay and occasional work after a recent jail release. Authorities allege the confrontation began with a verbal argument that became physical, at which point the suspect produced a handgun and shot Montgomery multiple times before fleeing as a passenger in a white Lincoln SUV.

An arrest warrant issued within days charges 34-year-old Janard Dominic Childs of Lakeland with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with physical evidence. Law enforcement was still searching for Childs as of late February 2026. If anyone was at the Jade Fox Lounge that night or knows anything about the white Lincoln SUV, please come forward with information.