Gunfire erupted early Sunday during a house party in Catawba County, North Carolina, killing one person and injuring at least 11 others, according to authorities.
According to a social media post by the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting took place around 12:45 a.m. at a residence in Mountain View, about 60 miles northwest of Charlotte.
“Our investigation revealed that more than one shooter was involved in the incident. We’re still trying to figure out when they arrived, how they got there, and why they’re there.
“Also, their motive,” said Maj. Aaron Turk of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Department during a news conference Sunday afternoon.
Turk stated that investigators were still processing evidence at the crime scene, which was estimated to be two acres in size. When asked by a reporter how many shots were fired during the incident, Turk responded, “As I stand here, more than 80 shots were fired.”
According to Turk, the shooting occurred at a residence where a party with up to 100 people was taking place.
He stated that the shooting took place nearly two hours after deputies responded to a noise complaint at the same residence. Turk stated that those attending the party followed the deputies’ orders to turn down the music.
Turk said investigators found no evidence linking the shooting to the earlier noise complaint.
Catawba County sheriff’s deputies and officers from the nearby Hickory Police Department responded to the house after multiple 911 calls reported multiple people being shot, Turk said.
Turk reported that one of the shooting victims was pronounced dead at the scene.
Shawn Patrick Hood, 58, of Lenoir, North Carolina, was fatally shot, according to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
One of the 11 others injured was in critical condition, and several remained in the hospital, according to officials.
As of yet, no arrests have been announced. Investigators from the Hickory Police Department, special agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the FBI, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were on the scene of the shooting Sunday afternoon, attempting to determine the motive for the deadly violence and identify those responsible, Catawba County Sheriff Donald G. Brown II said at a news conference.
“I want everyone to know that we are going to work together tirelessly and diligently to identify the individuals who are responsible for this act,” Brown told the audience.
Witnesses told ABC Charlotte affiliate station WSOC that many of those who attended the party were local high school students.
“As soon as I heard the shots, everyone scattered, ducking our heads and running for their cars, seeking safety. When I called my friend, he said, “Call 911.” “I need help,” one of the teen partygoers told WSOC.
