Mother of fatal nightclub shooting victim speaks out

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It has been almost one week since a deadly mass shooting at a downtown Columbus nightclub.

Two men working security at the club, Desmond Taylor, 27, and Ceilin Peaks Richard Smith, 36, were killed, while two other people were injured.

Police are still searching for the shooter they have identified as Jaquez Hoover, 26. He has been charged with two counts of murder.

Latrice Bradley is Taylor’s mother. She said her son was a gentle giant because he looked big and tough but inside he was emotional and cared about everyone.

She said he was the oldest of her five kids. She said it was around 4 a.m. last Friday when her other son knocked on her door. That’s the moment when her life changed.

“He said, ‘He gone,’” Bradley said. “I knew who he was talking about right away. It was without a shadow of a doubt. I knew, but I didn't register.”

Bradley said her son loved his job as a bodyguard and a protector.

She said Desmond was doing the job he loved at Aura nightclub.

Police said that around 1:45 a.m. Friday, there was an altercation outside Aura, formerly known as Avalon nightclub, in the 200 block of North 5th Street. Police said the fight escalated to the point the suspect fired a gun. Bradley said Desmond was shot in the back and didn’t even see it coming.

“First, 24 hours, it's harder any other day, I don't think I was coherent," Bradley said.

Bradley said Desmond's siblings looked at him as a role model. Since his death, she is learning more and more just how many people loved him.

“The time that he had on this earth, he made an impact on us and his siblings,” she said. “His brothers loved him. They were close. I just wish I could've spent a little bit more time. I just knew. And we never know because death is like a thief in the night. You don't see it coming sometimes. So, you know, I just I really love him and we'll miss him.”

Bradley said something the family is good at is telling each other they love them as much as they can.

“I wish I could have just kissed him one more time on his forehand,” Bradley said.

She said the person who killed her son will have to face the highest judgment.

She said she will lay her son to rest this weekend in South Bend, Ind., where he grew up.

Columbus police ask anyone with any information to call 614-645-4545.