LAKELAND, FL- April 8, 2026 — A suspect in a fatal February shooting at a Lakeland nightclub has been taken into custody, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
Janard Childs was arrested Wednesday by detectives with the Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Plant City Police Department. Authorities said he was transported to the Hillsborough County Jail without incident.
Childs faces charges of second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with or destroying physical evidence.
According to the original release, the incident occurred shortly after 2:00 a.m. on February 22, 2026, at Jade Fox Lounge on Lakeland Highlands Road in .
As patrons were leaving the business Deandre Montgomery Sr., was shot outside the establishment. He was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he later died from his injuries.
Detectives said early findings indicated the victim and suspect were known to each other. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: LAKELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
