LAGRANGE — An Alabama man and woman are charged with murder after a parking lot shootout at a Georgia strip club left the man’s brother dead and others injured.

Security guards were forcing 53-year-old Johnny Perkins to leave the Commotions Club in LaGrange about 12:30 a.m. Sunday when the Alexander City resident drew a handgun and began shooting at guards, police told local news outlets. Guards shot back and hit 47-year-old Steven Perkins, the brother of Johnny Perkins, who had also been involved in the fight.

At the same time, police said Johnny Perkins’ wife, Kristi Perkins, came outside and attacked a manager, 36-year-old Lynette Denault, by hitting her and attempting to bite her.

Kristi Perkins then pulled out her own gun and began shooting, police said, with some bullets entering the crowded club.

Police say Johnny Perkins shot 41-year-old security officer Tim Childs, bar patron Charles Powell and 41-year-old club DJ Daniel Skipworth.

Powell and Skipworth were taken to area hospitals, while Childs was treated for minor injuries and not taken to a hospital.

Johnny and Steven Perkins were also taken to hospitals. Steven Perkins later died from his injuries.

Johnny and Kristi Perkins are charged with felony murder, as well as aggravated assault and possessing a gun during a crime. Kristi Perkins is being held without bail at the Troup County Jail, while Johnny Perkins remained hospitalized. It’s unclear if either has a lawyer.

Keep Reading

Deputy Kirstie Gentry is the first woman to serve on the Carroll County Sheriff's Office's SWAT team. She also works as their medic. (Olivia Bowdoin for the AJC)

Credit: Olivia Bowdoin

Featured

Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)