A federal affidavit unsealed Monday suggests the July 11 shooting at HK Liquors in Shively may not have been a simple ambush. Investigators say surveillance footage and security audio raise the possibility the attack was coordinated from inside the store. The shooting left one man dead, identified in court records as Dante McGinnis, and three others wounded. Federal agents arrested 31-year-old Terrell Q. Gray on July 17 on a federal charge alleging possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, with a bond hearing set for July 23.
What the affidavit shows
As detailed by Courier Journal, the affidavit says two people wearing medical-style masks and blue gloves entered through the rear entrance and began shooting while security audio captured Gray saying, "that's me gang," before firing toward dice players. Investigators collected four shell casings near the rear entrance, and the filing alleges surveillance shows Gray later taking cash from a pool table and leaving a handgun at the scene.
Store license suspended, regulators probe gambling
Shively Alcoholic Beverage Control issued an emergency suspension order the day after the shooting that bars HK Liquors from selling alcohol while administrative proceedings move forward. WDRB reports ABC officials say the suspension is an administrative action separate from the criminal investigation and that agents are also looking into allegations of illegal gambling at the store. According to Kentucky General Assembly materials on Kentucky.gov, a 'Briefing Book on Problem Gambling' (October 6, 2018) documents state study of problem-gambling impacts and responses. Kentucky.gov posts a 'Statement Presented to Kentucky General Assembly' (Nov. 19, 2021) addressing gambling-treatment and evaluation issues, indicating the state has engaged in formal review of gambling-related harms and policies.
Arrest, evidence and past convictions
Court records reviewed by Courier Journal say Gray appeared in U.S. District Court in Louisville the day of his arrest and faces a federal charge alleging he possessed ammunition while prohibited from doing so. The affidavit and related filings say a vehicle Gray abandoned in 2021 contained a stolen rifle, a handgun loaded with hollow-point ammunition and a bag of fentanyl. Investigators also note Gray was on parole and had been sentenced in 2022 for fleeing officers in 2021.
Legal context and next steps
Federal law generally bars people convicted of certain crimes from possessing firearms or ammunition under 18 U.S.C. § 922, which is explained in detail by Cornell Law's Legal Information Institute. Gray remains in federal custody ahead of his July 23 bond hearing, and local outlets report Shively police continue to ask witnesses to contact investigators as the homicide probe and the ABC administrative review proceed. Anyone with information can reach the Shively Police Department through the number published in local reports.
