On February 2, 2020, a violent incident occurred outside Vibez Lounge in downtown Columbia, Missouri, resulting in the death of 34-year-old Tershawn Eugene Kitchen. Kitchen, a Black male, was working as a security guard at the nightclub located on North 5th Street when the shooting took place during the early morning hours. He was well-regarded in his community, known by nicknames such as '3 Shawn' and '2 Wattz,' and was remembered as a dedicated father and hard worker who also held a position
at the 3M Company.
The sequence of events began around closing time when a disturbance broke out. Kitchen was performing his duties outside the venue when gunfire erupted. Reports indicate that he was struck by bullets while in the line of duty. First responders arrived at the scene to find Kitchen critically injured on the sidewalk. Despite efforts to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries. A female victim was also wounded during the shooting but survived. The lounge management later publicly criticized the police response, alleging a lack of immediate empathy and medical aid for the dying guard, which sparked further community dialogue regarding local policing and emergency protocols.
Law enforcement officers investigated the homicide, leading to the identification and arrest of a suspect shortly after the incident. Police confirmed that a male suspect was taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting, though specific details regarding the suspect's identity and the full adjudication of the charges were not prominently detailed in the immediate public updates available. The investigation highlighted the challenges of violence in the downtown district, prompting city officials and the police department to review safety measures and patrol strategies in the area.
Tershawn Kitchen was a Columbia native, born on December 11, 1985. He was a graduate of Rock Bridge High School and was married to Treale Shaw. He left behind a grieving family, including his wife, his children Lauryn, Ariyah, and Kalia, his parents Twila and Sylvester Walls, and his biological father Terry Kitchen. His death was mourned by friends and family who held a Celebration of Life service in his honor, remembering him for his protective nature and commitment to his loved ones.
