More than three years after a deadly shooting outside a Beaumont nightclub, the Orange man accused of opening fire is set to stand trial this week in Jefferson County.
According to investigators, 30-year-old Geraldo Escamilla was riding in a pickup truck during the early morning hours of March 18, 2023, when gunfire erupted in a crowded parking lot. Escamilla was killed in the shooting.
The accused gunman, 21 year old Jaren Battles of Orange, faces charges of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The shooting occurred at approximately 3 a.m. at DMoney Daiquiris Lounge in the 6600 block of Phelan Boulevard. Beaumont police officers had been called to disperse a crowd gathered in the parking lot when shots were fired. According to a probable cause affidavit, one officer reported seeing a man firing at a pickup truck moving through the lot. Investigators identified that man as Battles.
Escamilla was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, 35-year-old Armando Camargo Jr., was also struck by gunfire but survived after being transported to a hospital with serious injuries.
Two other Orange men were also charged in connection with the case. Jahmirious Spraggins pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted aggravated assault and received an eight-year prison sentence. Armani Rashad Wallace remains awaiting trial, which is currently scheduled for next week.
The case is being heard in Jefferson County Criminal District Court with Judge John Stevens presiding.
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