Tyler Man Indicted for Murder in Club Shooting

A Tyler man has now been indicted for murder in the December nightclub shooting that killed another man. According to CBS 19, Aaron Gordon Jr. has been indicted on murder charges related to a deadly shooting in Smith County at a nightclub.

How the Valley Blues Club Shooting Happened

23-year-old Aaron Gordon Johnson was previously indicted on a second-degree felony charge of engaging in organized criminal activity in connection with the shooting that took place on December 29 at the Valley Blues Club that took the life of 23-year-old Aaron Lamar Jackson.

Last week in court prosecutors announced that Johnson had previously been indicted on charges of murder and first-degree felony engaging in organized criminal activity. He waived arraignment and his next court date is set for August 13.

Johnson's Version of the Shooting

Johnson told deputies that he brought a 9mm Glock handgun to the club that night that he intended to sell but initially left it in the car that he and his brothers rode in.

Johnson claims that unidentified members of the Westside Gang tried to start a confrontation with him and his brothers. He said he walked to the car to leave and avoid further problems but was followed by some of the gang members.

Johnson then claims that he was punched in the face leaving him dazed. He claims that someone then began shooting which made several others begin to open fire from behind a nearby vehicle.

After being shot in the foot, Johnson said he blindly fired toward the area where he heard the gunshots coming from. Johnson believed he was shot by the "large man with dreads", who investigators believe was Jackson. He told investigators that he remembered firing two shots while running and several more after being shot in the back.

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Evidence Recovered During the Investigation

Johnson admitted to throwing the gun from the vehicle while he was driven to the hospital. He said he threw the gun because people were shooting at him.

Law enforcement retrieved the gun from the side of the road on County Road 485.

Another suspect in the case, Jaqwaylon Pettigrew pleaded guilty in April to deadly conduct for his role in the shooting and received six years of probation.