MERRIAM, Kan. -- Police are searching for suspects in a fatal shooting outside a Merriam nightclub early Monday morning.

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Video: Watch KMBC's Report

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Officials said 19-year-old Jermaine Hughes, of Raytown, was shot and killed outside Rum Runners at 53rd Street and Merriam Drive. It happened at about 2 a.m.

Witnesses told police that Hughes was shot after a fight broke out in the street in front of the club. The gunman fled in a gray Pontiac.

KMBC's Brenda Washington reported that Hughes went to the club to perform for open mic night and that he wanted to be a rap artist.

"He was talented ... He was a good guy working on his rap career," said Jay Davis, a relative of Hughes. "This makes no sense at all ... He didn't bother anybody -- that's not what he was out here for."

This is Merriam's first homicide this year.