Suspect in fatal shooting at Foxy Lady Lounge makes first court appearance in Columbus

An 18-year-old suspect in a fatal June shooting at the Foxy Lady Lounge made his first appearance in Columbus Recorder’s Court on Friday.

Cecil Berguin is charged with one count of murder and one count entering auto for the June 5 nightclub incident that left 40-year-old Samuel London dead.

During court testimony, Detective Matt Sitler said multiple individuals, including Berguin, arrived at the Foxy Lady Lounge after 2 a.m. in different vehicles in order to break into cars in the area.

According to Sitler, Berguin was seen on surveillance footage entering London’s car. London entered his car at the same moment Berguin did and attempted to remove the 18-year-old from his car.

During the scuffle, London was struck by a bullet but it’s unknown if Berguin pulled the trigger, Sitler testified. A police investigation found forensic evidence that tied Berguin to the scene, and witnesses told police he was also at the scene.

Berguin was found in Phenix City on July 29 and extradited back to Columbus for the hearing. Sitler said there are other suspects of interest and the shooting is still under investigation.

Berguin’s defense attorney, Ralston Jarrett, said his client was just the first arrest in the case and that it would move to Superior Court in the coming weeks.

This story was originally published July 30, 2020 at 3:26 PM.