Early on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, a late-night party at the Myst Hookah + Ultra Lounge on San Antonio’s Northwest Side turned fatal. The San Antonio Police Department states that after receiving reports of gunshots, police were sent to the 4500 block of North Loop 1604 West, close to Lockhill Selma Road. At around 1:24 in the morning, a car drew up and started firing at a group of customers gathered outside the lounge’s outside smoking area.
Upon arrival, emergency medical services found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified the deceased as 27-year-old Derek Dashaun Brown and 50-year-old Kyung Lee. The shooting sent shockwaves through the community, as the victims were well-known locally. Brown, a Texas native, was remembered by friends and family on social media as a beloved figure who would be “truly missed”.
Initial reports indicated that the shooting stemmed from an altercation inside the lounge. Witnesses told police that a man and a woman were involved in a heated argument and were subsequently escorted out of the venue by security. Shortly after being removed, the couple allegedly returned in a sedan and opened fire on the crowd outside, striking both Brown and Lee. The attack appeared targeted and deliberate, prompting a swift and intensive investigation by the San Antonio Police Department.
Within 48 hours of the shooting, authorities announced the arrest of two suspects. Joseph Anthony Amador, 34, and Lauren Tayler Machado-Juarez, 35, were taken into custody and charged with capital murder. According to SAPD, the arrests were made following a coordinated effort involving surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence. The department praised the rapid progress in the case, stating, “The murder happened on Wednesday, and two days later, the suspects are in handcuffs”.
The arrests brought a measure of relief to the community, though questions remain about the motive and whether additional individuals may have been involved. Investigators are continuing to review evidence and interview witnesses to build a comprehensive case. The suspects are currently being held in Bexar County Jail as they await further legal proceedings. Authorities have not disclosed whether the suspects had any prior criminal history or connections to the victims.
The double homicide has reignited concerns about safety in nightlife venues across San Antonio. Community leaders and residents are calling for increased security measures and more proactive efforts to prevent violence in entertainment districts. The Myst Hookah + Ultra Lounge, located at 4553 TX-1604 Loop, has not issued a public statement regarding the incident. As the investigation continues, the city mourns the loss of two lives and seeks justice for the families of Derek Brown and Kyung Lee.
