In the early hours of March 18, 2023, gunfire erupted in the parking lot of DMoney Daiquiris Lounge after officers were already responding to trespassing at The Crossing apartments on Phelan Boulevard. A gray GMC Sierra was struck by 27 rounds; the driver suffered a non-life-threatening leg wound, while passenger 30-year-old Beaumont resident Geraldo Escamilla was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police detained a black Mercedes party van carrying 14 people; a 16-year-old who fled was caught with three firearms and five more were recovered from the van. Detectives identified two suspects, 20-year-old Armani Rashad Wallace and 18-year-old Jaren Battles of Orange, who were arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault. A Jefferson County grand jury later indicted both on first-degree murder charges.

Escamilla, a father of two young daughters, was remembered by family and friends as a loving and devoted parent. His family has filed a wrongful death suit alleging inadequate security at the lounge and property management contributed to the death and are seeking more than $1 million in damages.

Did anyone attend the lounge that night or have information about security at the property?