Greensboro Club O Shooting Case Expands as Suspect Faces Additional Charges

According to an October 9 report from WXII, Bass initially faced two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, another assault-with-a-deadly-weapon charge and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Investigators subsequently added eight felony counts of discharging a firearm into occupied property and one count of injury to real property. Police said the additional counts reflected individual rounds fired into the club and followed consultation with the Guilford County District Attorney's Office.

The additional warrants describe two people injured by gunfire and another hurt by broken glass. Bass remains in the Guilford County jail after being denied bond, with a court date listed for December 3. Importantly, police have not charged Bass with Watlington's homicide. Investigators have said the case remains active and have not disclosed whether they are pursuing other suspects.

Officers were called to the West Market Street establishment at approximately 1:55 a.m. on September 20. Watlington was pronounced dead at the scene. Four other people suffered gunshot wounds, and another person was injured by glass. Police have described a disturbance outside the club before the violence.

The North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division separately investigated conditions at the business. According to investigators, an altercation involving Watlington and another patron continued outside and led to gunfire. ALE said its review found inadequate weapons screening and other security failures. The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission suspended the club's ABC permits.

The investigation has also produced allegations involving club operations, with the business owner and some employees facing separate charges. Those allegations, like the counts against Bass, remain accusations unless proven in court. For Greensboro residents and neighboring businesses, the case raises ongoing questions about nightlife security, enforcement and how authorities respond when violence occurs at crowded venues. Further court proceedings and police updates will determine what additional information can be confirmed.