Man killed, 2 women injured in shooting at Signal Hill strip club during birthday party
SIGNAL HILL, Calif. (KABC) -- A man was killed and two women were injured during a shooting that broke out at a birthday celebration at a Signal Hill strip club early Tuesday morning.
Authorities said the shooting happened around 1:45 a.m. at the Fantasy Castle strip club parking lot in the 2800 block of Walnut Avenue.
The man, who appeared to be in his late 20s, was found suffering from gunshot wounds and the women were taken to local hospitals, both in stable condition. The man died at the scene.
Witnesses said the man was celebrating a birthday with friends and that the women, also in their 20s, were part of that group.
Witnesses said it appeared one of the women had been shot in the hip or leg. Witnesses also said at first they couldn't tell if the gunshots were part of the music.
Dancer Kim Chavez said it sounded like fireworks.
"Everybody was just running, honestly. Everybody was running and girls were crying. He was laid out on the floor. That's all we know," she said.
Chavez said the male victim was one of her customers.
"He was really nice. He was throwing money," she said. "Everybody's trying to have a good, have an awesome night, go show some love to the dancers, but who expects not to come home, you know?"
Initial reports were that the shooting took place inside the club, but authorities later determined it happened in the parking lot.
Authorities said a customer had gone out to the parking lot when another man walked up to him and opened fire.
Investigators were interviewing several witnesses at the scene and will see if there was any surveillance video of the incident.
It was unclear what led to the shooting. No description of a shooter or shooters was released.
The identity of the victim was not immediately released.
Anyone with more information was urged to call the Los Angeles County sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
