Owner of Lexington property where fatal shooting occurred says it's time to reclaim neighborhood

The rooftop of the Lexington building where a shooting almost a week ago took the life of one man and injured five others inside provided a place for expression Thursday.

31-year-old Antoine Clay died following the shooting just after midnight at the former El Cid restaurant on National Avenue. The business has been evicted. Property Owner Chad Walker said eviction proceedings started in May over non-payment of rent and the final court order was issued last week. Walker said the eviction was not related to the shooting and he’s not blaming the former owners. He did find out parties were happening after the lease agreement time of 10 p.m.

“The best vehicle we had to fix the situation was just to continue with the eviction. So, I think it should have been sped up somewhat, but I don’t know whether that would have stopped what happened, unfortunately,” said Walker.

Walker said additional security cameras in the high-business area will be installed. That will include additional license-reading cameras.

“We are encouraging all tenants to have cameras inside of their space. In addition, we have cameras throughout the neighborhood now. We’ll install more cameras. And so the intent will be and already is to a degree that, if a vehicle enters the neighborhood…from the time they enter the neighborhood to the time they leave, we can watch them,” said Walker.

Priscilla Sandifer, whose 20-year-old daughter Amaya, died as an innocent gun violence victim, told those gathered to watch out for one another. She added lives can be in jeopardy at any time, no matter where one lives or grows up.

Centered Holistic Health Owner Lauren Higdon said gun violence is not isolated in the community, town, state, or world.

“Gun violence is happening every single day. It’s happened in my family and now in my neighborhood. And I feel it’s not a reflection of our community or the warehouse block. It’s a reflection of what’s happening in our world,” said Higdon.

Mirror Twin Brewing Co-Owner Derek Defranco says businesses in the area support each other. He said his heart goes out to the victims. Defranco said it’s still a good neighborhood and he wants people to continue to patronize businesses. Walker, meanwhile, said a day will be set aside to honor first responders. He said Lexington police have been communicating well, but as with any investigation, Walker added, quote, “they keep their cards pretty close to their chest.”

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