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Two charged in deadly shooting at San Antonio hookah lounge
Arrest affidavits reveal new details about the drive-by attack that killed two men
Feb. 23, 2026 at 7:28pm
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Joseph Anthony Amador, 34, and Lauren Tayler Machado-Juarez, 35, have been charged with capital murder of multiple persons in a fatal shooting at MYST Hookah + Ultra Lounge in San Antonio. The arrest affidavits state the pair were escorted out of the lounge just five minutes before the shooting, which left hospital worker Derek Brown, 27, and U.S. Army veteran Kyung Chang Lee, 51, dead. Security footage tied the suspects to the drive-by attack using a gold Ford Fusion.
Why it matters
The shooting at the MYST Hookah + Ultra Lounge has shaken the San Antonio community, raising concerns about public safety and gun violence. The details revealed in the arrest affidavits provide insight into the events leading up to the tragic incident and the investigation that led to the suspects' arrests.
The details
According to the arrest affidavits, Amador and Machado-Juarez were involved in an argument inside the lounge and were escorted out by security just five minutes before the shooting. Security footage showed the pair leaving the lounge and getting into a gold Ford Fusion, with Amador initially in the driver's seat and Machado-Juarez in the passenger's seat. They then quickly switched seats, and the car drove in front of the lounge with its headlights off. The car made another pass in front of the lounge with the passenger's seat facing toward the patio area, and gunshots rang out. The car then sped off onto the Loop 1604 access road. After the shooting, officers conducted surveillance on Amador's apartment and arrested the pair, who both had outstanding warrants. A handgun and additional firearms were found in the car and Amador's apartment.
- The shooting occurred just before 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
- Amador and Machado-Juarez were escorted out of the lounge just five minutes before the shooting.
The players
Joseph Anthony Amador
A 34-year-old man charged with two counts of capital murder of multiple persons and one count of driving while intoxicated in the fatal shooting at MYST Hookah + Ultra Lounge.
Lauren Tayler Machado-Juarez
A 35-year-old woman charged with two counts of capital murder of multiple persons in the fatal shooting at MYST Hookah + Ultra Lounge.
Derek Brown
A 27-year-old hospital worker who was killed in the shooting.
Kyung Chang Lee
A 51-year-old U.S. Army veteran who was killed in the shooting.
What they’re saying
“He had a way of lifting people up, making them laugh, and helping them get through tough days. He cared about others and always brought positivity wherever he went.”
— Derek Brown's coworkers (GoFundMe page)
“If you knew KC, you knew someone larger than life, and someone who knew how to thoroughly enjoy what life offers, especially socializing. He is, for many, that 'brother from another mother.'”
— Kyung Chang Lee's cousins (GoFundMe page)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Amador and Machado-Juarez out on bail.
The takeaway
This tragic shooting has shaken the San Antonio community and raised concerns about public safety and gun violence. The details revealed in the arrest affidavits highlight the need for continued efforts to address these issues and support the victims' families and loved ones.
