In the early morning hours of February 29, 2020, what began as a birthday celebration for Dequintez Lamar Watkins, a 28-year-old African American male from Flint, Michigan, ended in tragedy. Watkins, affectionately known as 'Tez' by his loved ones, was at The Loft, a downtown Flint nightclub, when a dispute between two women erupted into a larger brawl. Amid the chaos, a single gunshot fatally wounded Watkins.
He was rushed to Hurley Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The individual responsible for the shooting was identified as Allyne M. Hall, who was working as a security guard at the nightclub that evening. Following an investigation, Hall was taken into custody and faced several charges, including involuntary manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and two counts of felony firearm. The case moved through the legal system, and in a preliminary examination held in October 2021, a significant development occurred. A Genesee County District Judge dismissed all of the charges against Hall except for a single count of carrying a concealed weapon.
During the court proceedings, Hall's attorney argued that his client had acted in self-defense. The defense claimed that Hall had intervened in the escalating fight and was subsequently assaulted by several individuals. In an attempt to control the volatile situation and protect himself, Hall reportedly fired a warning shot into the air. The court ultimately found that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the more serious charges. It was noted that Hall was in possession of an unlicensed firearm at the time of the incident. After more than a year under house arrest, largely due to delays in the court system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hall was released.
Dequintez Watkins was remembered by his family and friends as a loving and spirited person with a goofy personality. A father of three, his funeral was held on March 10, 2020, at the Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home in Flint.
