Suspect Arrested in Deadly Lakeland Nightclub Shooting

Janard Dominic Childs charged with second-degree murder, firearm possession, and evidence tampering

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the evidence gathered in the investigation of a violent crime.The arrest of a suspect in the fatal Lakeland nightclub shooting brings the community one step closer to justice.Plant City Today

A suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting outside a Lakeland nightclub in February has been arrested in Plant City. Janard Dominic Childs, 34, of Lakeland was taken into custody by the Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Plant City Police Department. Childs is charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with evidence.

Why it matters

The arrest marks a significant development in the case, which has been a priority for the Lakeland Police Department since the deadly shooting occurred outside the Jade Fox Lounge in February. The arrest brings the community one step closer to justice for the victim's family.

The details

According to investigators, officers responding to the scene in the early hours of February 22 found the victim, 38-year-old Deandre Montgomery Sr., suffering from multiple gunshot wounds near his vehicle. Montgomery was transported to the hospital but later died. Detectives allege that Childs approached Montgomery's vehicle, initiated a confrontation that turned physical, and then shot Montgomery multiple times before fleeing the scene in a waiting vehicle.

  • The shooting occurred around 2:00 a.m. on February 22, 2026.
  • An arrest warrant for Childs was issued on February 24, 2026.
  • Childs was arrested earlier today, April 9, 2026, outside an apartment in Plant City.

The players

Janard Dominic Childs

A 34-year-old Lakeland resident who has been charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with evidence in connection with the fatal shooting.

Deandre Montgomery Sr.

The 38-year-old victim who was fatally shot outside the Jade Fox Lounge in Lakeland in February 2026.

Sam Taylor

The Lakeland Police Chief, who praised the dedication of the detectives who worked to pursue leads and apprehend the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“This arrest represents a step toward justice for the family of Mr. Montgomery. I'm proud of the dedication shown by our detectives, who have worked tirelessly to pursue every lead since the night of the homicide.”

— Sam Taylor, Lakeland Police Chief

What’s next

The investigation remains active, and no additional details have been released at this time. The case will now move forward to prosecution.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the persistence of the Lakeland Police Department in pursuing justice for the victim's family and the community. It demonstrates the importance of law enforcement collaboration in apprehending suspects wanted for violent crimes.