Gunfire broke out during a house party in a typically calm residential area of western North Carolina early Sunday, resulting in one fatality and injuries to 11 others, as confirmed by sheriff’s deputies. The incident, which unfolded at around 12:45 a.m., shattered the peace in the neighborhood. Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos, with individuals running for cover and some sustaining injuries as they hurried into their vehicles for safety.
Approximately 80 rounds were fired during the shooting, according to authorities. By the afternoon, law enforcement officials continued to investigate, having not made any arrests yet, and appealing to the public for any information that could aid the inquiry.
The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office released a statement identifying the deceased as 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood from Lenoir. Hood was the oldest among the victims, whose ages ranged from 16 years upwards. Of the injured, seven were still being treated in hospitals by late Sunday, although no updates regarding their conditions were made available at that time. One victim had been previously reported in critical condition.
Investigators suspect multiple individuals were involved in the shooting. A sheriff’s spokesperson appealed to attendees of the party to provide any information to the authorities. Major Aaron Turk, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, briefed the media, explaining that the incident occurred in a quiet section of southwest Catawba County, around seven miles from the city of Hickory.
Turk mentioned that approximately two hours prior to the shooting, there was a noise complaint from a neighboring home about the party. Deputies responded to the call, but Turk clarified that investigators did not believe the complaint was connected to the shooting motives.
The crime scene spanned multiple properties, encompassing both outdoor and indoor areas, and covered an expanse of approximately two acres. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, alongside the Hickory Police Department, is spearheading the investigation. Furthermore, the FBI is involved in the case, providing assistance with a specialized evidence response team.
[The article has been revised to accurately state that the total number of victims, including the deceased individual, amounts to 12 rather than 11.]