Killer Not Yet Identified 2 Years After Shooting Near Simon’s Nightclub
In the early morning of May 6, 2023, Kentaris Bryant was shot in the head in front of Simon’s nightclub. He died in the hospital shortly after.
The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) made a Facebook post today that says “Two years have passed, but detectives continue to work the case and seek closure for Bryant and his family. If you have any information on this case, please contact GPD Detective Bernal 352-393-7729 or bernalvl@cityofgainesville.org. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Alachua County Crime Stoppers.”
GnvInfo was present at the scene two years ago. Bryant was laying on the ground and unable to be seen due to being surrounded by paramedics.
GPD officers initiated crowd control as a group of bystanders gathered around Bryant and the paramedics to see what was happening.
Police conduct crowd control in the area of the shooting (GnvInfo)
Police audio from the shooting indicates the suspect was a Black man wearing a letterman jacket and dark pants.
May 6, 2023 Police Audio (Broadcastify)
Forensics officers looked around the area the morning after the shooting.
A press release by GPD published after the shooting says "A preliminary investigation revealed that it appears that at some point a physical confrontation between the victim and others occurred that ended in gunfire. The suspect fled and has not been located."
GnvInfo interviewed a GPD officer over the phone about 12 hours after the shooting.
When asked if GPD would find the shooter in a short amount of time, the officer responded, “They’re actively working on the case…. We don’t put these investigations on a time frame.”
