Hailey
A 29-year-old Wichita resident, John D. Houze, has entered a no-contest plea to criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with a mass shooting at a downtown nightclub in Wichita’s Old Town entertainment district.
His sentencing is set for September 4, under the jurisdiction of Sedgwick County District Judge Seth Rundle.
Plea Deal and Dropped Charges
In a plea agreement reached with prosecutors on Monday, multiple other charges—including aggravated assault and unlawful discharge of a firearm—were dropped. This decision, as indicated in court records, was part of the legal arrangement following the 2023 shooting incident.
Details of the Nightclub Shooting
The violent episode unfolded just before 1 a.m. on July 2, 2023, at City Nightz, a nightclub located at 222 N. Washington, which has since shut down.
The venue was hosting an after-party for rapper Timothy “Mozzy” Patterson, who had performed at another location earlier that evening. Patterson was present at the club alongside his entourage and armed security personnel.
A confrontation escalated into a fistfight, followed by a barrage of gunfire involving at least four shooters, including a member of Patterson’s security team.
Among those allegedly involved in the shooting was John Houze, who, according to a probable cause affidavit, opened fire multiple times toward the front of the club, indiscriminately shooting through the crowd after people began fleeing in panic.
Video Evidence Contradicts Houze’s Denial
Though Houze denied possessing a firearm or discharging a weapon during his interview with police, surveillance footage from inside the club painted a different picture.
The video captured the chaotic scene, with people running for safety amid gunfire. Authorities stated that Houze took cover before emerging and firing into the crowd.
Injuries and Arrests
The shooting left a trail of injuries: nine individuals suffered gunshot wounds, while two others were trampled in the rush to escape.
The severity of the injuries highlighted the danger of the incident, and the Wichita Police launched a major investigation in response.
As a result of the investigation, three Wichita men were charged:
- Jaylen Thomas, 23, identified by prosecutors as the first individual to open fire, received a 6-year, 10-month prison sentence.
- Ameir King-Ingram, 21, was sentenced to 4 years and 5 months behind bars.
- John Houze, now awaiting sentencing after his no-contest plea, faces similar consequences.
Legal and Community Impact
This case has drawn attention to gun violence and nightclub safety in Wichita. With security footage serving as pivotal evidence and multiple individuals injured, the incident underscores the ongoing concerns about firearms in nightlife settings and the importance of swift legal action in violent crime cases.
The Old Town nightclub shooting is a grim reminder of how quickly a night of celebration can turn into tragedy.
With John Houze pleading no contest, and his sentencing scheduled for September 4, the legal system continues to address the aftermath of the violence that injured eleven and shocked the Wichita community.
The incident also serves as a stark warning about the consequences of illegal gun possession and reckless actions in public spaces.