BUCKHEAD, Ga. — A Buckhead lounge's doors will remain closed for 60 more days as attorneys work to resolve a complaint the City of Atlanta filed following a deadly shooting at the nightclub that killed two young adults back in May.
A hearing was scheduled for Thursday in Fulton County court, where evidence related to the complaint could be presented.
But at the courthouse 11Alive's Erica Murphy learned the hearing wouldn't take place as scheduled. Attorneys for the city of Atlanta, Elleven 45 Lounge, and the judge ultimately decided they needed more time then what was allotted for Thursday's hearing, because of the amount of witnesses and evidence involved in the complaint. The judge assigned to the case issued a temporary restraining order that will now keep Elleven45 closed for 60 days.
On Thursday, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens released a statement saying his heart goes out to the victims' families and that after the incident, he said there were several tools at the city's disposal that they would not hesitate to leverage to keep communities safe and thriving.
"No one should lose their life going out to have fun," he stated. "This particular location has a history of violations over the years, and I thank the Superior Court for today's action to help move toward our longer-term goal of shutting this venue down for good."
He also said that at the beginning of his administration, they set up resources for the nightlife community.
"Most operators are complying and even benefitting from those, but operators who endanger public safety must be held accountable," he said.
Elleven45 has been closed since the shooting on Mother's Day weekend. The new developments at the lounge come as Atlanta Police said a suspect turned himself in on Wednesday. 11Alive was in court on Thursday, where Karanji Reese, 21, Reese waived his first court appearance.
He faces murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to APD.
RELATED: Arrest made in Buckhead shooting that killed 2, including college volleyball player, police say
The deadly shooting at Elleven45 took place on Mother's Day when authorities said a single shooter opened fire at the club and shot six people: 21-year-old Mari Creighton, who was an Albany State University volleyball player, 20-year-old Nakyris M. Ridley died, and four others were hurt.
Since then, Creighton's family has also filed a lawsuit against the club, stating that because of the "actions and/or inactions of the defendants, which lead to the tragic and completely avoidable death of Mariam Creighton."
