A local mother said she wants the security guards to be held accountable for the fatal shooting of her son outside a Hookah Bar and Lounge.
Police have been investigating self defense claims made by the security guards.
"I'm sorry that my baby only had 30 years, but those 30 years were mine and I thank Him for them," Arvella Minter said.
According to police, Jason McClain was at the Cloud IX Hookah Bar and Lounge around 12:45 a.m. Sunday in the Inglewood neighborhood when there was a verbal argument.
Read More: Self Defense Claimed In Fatal Shooting Outside Hookah Bar
Security guards allegedly asked McClain to leave and then escorted him out of the bar.
Police said McClain got his gun from his truck and opened fire at the guards.
They reportedly returned fire, and McClain died at the scene following the shootout.
"They're supposedly there to make sure everything goes smoothly and the customers are all doing what they're supposed to do, and they're supposed to get out safely," Minter said. "That's what they're there for."
Police have been working to determine if the security guards were defending themselves when they shot at McClain.
Photos: Man Shot, Killed At Cloud IX Hookah Bar
However, his mom said she believes the cause of the shooting was a personal issue between her son and one of the guards.
"It was not a self defense thing," Minter said. "I counted at least 28, 29 shell shots when I was there, so I know that it was more than just a self defense thing."
McClain's mother said she understands her son wasn't perfect.
"Jason was a renegade," Minter said.
But she feels the security guards haven't told the full story.
"So whatever happened in that parking lot, the security guards know, and God knows. And it's all going to come out, but I'm telling you now, they're lying," Minter said.
She added she wants to know more about the moments that led up to her son's death.
No one has been charged in connection to the shooting.
We reached out to the owner of Cloud IX and received the following statement:
"The staff of Cloud IX would like to first extend our condolences to the family of Jason McClain. It is never easy dealing with such a tragic event, but our prayers and thoughts are with Jason’s children, family and friends during this difficult time. We are working with officials to conduct a full investigation, and want to help ensure that our customers and the East Nashville community feel confident that we are committed to maintaining a venue that is safe and focused on adding value to our city."
