Two people, including a 16-year-old, were killed and several others sustained injuries after gunfire erupted at a large outdoor Halloween gathering in southeastern North Carolina early Saturday, according to local authorities.
Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said a total of 13 people were hit by bullets during the party at a residence located in a rural community outside Maxton, roughly 95 miles (150 km) southwest of Raleigh, near the South Carolina state line.
The shootings reportedly followed a dispute between two groups among the crowd of more than 300 attendees. Those present ranged from young teens to people in their 50s, Wilkins told WBTW-TV. The other deceased victim was later identified as 49-year-old Jessie Locklear Jr. of Lumberton.
Victims of the attack are aged between 17 and 43, officials said. One person suffered critical injuries and was rushed to a medical facility, while several others remain in hospital with non-life-threatening wounds. Some were treated and released from medical care.
No arrests have been made so far, though investigators have identified several persons of interest, The Robesonian reported. Authorities believe that multiple shooters and weapons were involved. The sheriff’s office added that the broader community is not under immediate threat.
Deputies had initially been dispatched around 1:15 am responding to a noise complaint about loud music at the party. Before they arrived, 911 calls reported the shooting.
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“This was yet another senseless act of gun violence that has taken the lives of two individuals and left many others seriously injured,” Wilkins said in a statement. He expressed particular concern about the presence of teenagers, guns and alcohol at such a large house party. Alcohol enforcement officials are also assisting in the investigation.
More than 150 people reportedly fled the scene before officers arrived. Authorities urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward and assist investigators. Wilkins noted that law enforcement had been unaware of the event as it did not exceed the size that requires a formal permit.
Source: AP