1 dead, 7 injured after shooting at Louisville club in Russell neighborhood, police say

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One person is dead, and seven others are injured after a shooting at a night club in Louisville early Saturday morning, according to Louisville Metro Police.

LMPD responded to a shooting at H2O Lounge around 1 a.m. That's near 26th and Broadway. When police arrived, they found a man who had been shot. EMS said he died at the scene.

The man was later identified by Jefferson County Coroner's Office as Joseph D. Bowers, 40, of Indianapolis.

Police also found a second person who had been shot. That victim was taken to University Hospital with critical and life threatening injuries, according to LMPD.

Medical staff from other hospitals in the area have alerted police that six adults brought themselves in to receive treatment following this shooting. Those injuries are believed to be non-life threatening, according to LMPD.

It is unknown at this time if there is any relationship between the victims.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting can call LMPD's anonymous tip line at (502)574-LMPD (5673) or utilize the online Crime Tip portal at LMPD Crime Tip Portal.

According to Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control, the nightclub has temporarily closed.

“ABC Administrator Silveria has discussed the situation with the owner of H2O, who has agreed to voluntarily close the establishment temporarily," Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control released in a statement. "This decision, made in light of our shared concerns for public safety, allows them time to mourn the tragic loss of their employee while ensuring the community’s well-being."

For Jimmie Lester, who lives on Magazine Street, the violence is all too familiar.

"It's gotten to the point I'm so desensitized to it where it's just as common as hearing a police siren or ambulance," Lester said. "I'm not trying to be nobody's stray bullet recipient."

Lester said the best way to avoid the violence is to stay in the house.

"It's sad, it's really sad," Lester said. "We can hear everything that goes on around here, it's in our backyard. It doesn't matter if it's daytime or nighttime, it's ridiculous."

Lisa McLean said the city needs to invest in more mental health resources to stop the violence. McLean's 24-year-old son Andrea Scott Jr. was shot and killed two and a half years ago.

"It's hard to deal with, it's a mother's worst nightmare," McLean said. "With his name, I've changed it to Dre, 'do right every day.' Just do right every day, you don't have to murder."

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