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Man facing murder charge for deadly Downtown Austin nightclub shooting

Officers responded to the scene and found one person with multiple gunshot wounds. That person was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead.

AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: The above video is from March 15 when police were still looking for a suspect.

Authorities have arrested a man accused of killing someone in a Downtown Austin shooting on Sunday, March 14. According to court records, 22-year-old Adriean Benn is facing a first-degree murder charge, as well as a charge for unlawfully carrying a weapon.

According to the Austin Police Department, Jorian Donte Hardeway, 24, was found with gunshot wounds inside the Swing Hookah Lounge at approximately 4:15 a.m. on March 14. The lounge is located next to Koriente and across from Empire Control Room & Garage. 

Police reviewed video footage from East Seventh Street and found that at about 4:13 a.m. on March 14, several people ran away from the club entrance. Video from the body-worn camera of a private security guard also captured the sound of gunshots from inside the club. 

A woman told police that before the shooting, Hardeway got in an argument with Benn and another man. The witness said Benn called her a name and Hardeway became angry. According to the affidavit, Hardeway then punched Benn and possibly the other man in the face. The witness told police that Benn then pulled out a handgun and began shooting at Hardeway.

Medics immediately took Hardeway to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4:42 a.m.

After gathering information from witnesses, Austin police issued a warrant for Benn's arrest. According to Attorney General Ken Paxton's office, the Fugitive Apprehension Unit arrested Benn on March 16 while working with the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force.

Credit: Austin Police Department
Austin Police Department

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