A hail of over 80 gunshots erupted at a North Carolina house party, leaving one dead and 11 injured as terrified teens and adults fled across multiple properties in what authorities believe was an attack by multiple shooters who remain at large.
Key Takeaways
- A mass shooting at a house party in Mountain View, North Carolina killed 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood and injured 11 others, with victims as young as 16 years old.
- Police believe multiple shooters fired more than 80 shots across a two-acre crime scene spanning several properties during the incident that occurred at approximately 12:45 a.m. Sunday.
- The shooting happened nearly two hours after deputies responded to a noise complaint at the same location where approximately 100 people were gathered, though authorities have not linked the two incidents.
- No arrests have been made, and multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and local police are actively investigating.
- Seven victims remain hospitalized, with one previously reported in critical condition.
Quiet Neighborhood Shattered by Gunfire
A typically peaceful residential area in Mountain View, North Carolina, approximately 60 miles northwest of Charlotte, became the scene of devastating violence early Sunday morning. The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 12:45 a.m. at a residence on Walnut Acres Drive where a large gathering of about 100 people, including many local high school students, had assembled. The shooting resulted in the death of 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood from Lenoir and left 11 others wounded, with victims ranging from 16 years old and up.
“Sheriff’s office Maj. Aaron Turk said at a news conference that the shooting occurred in a normally quiet neighborhood in southwest Catawba County about 7 miles south of the city of Hickory,” said Major Aaron Turk, Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
The violence unfolded across multiple properties spanning approximately two acres, with gunfire occurring both inside and outside structures. Law enforcement discovered evidence of more than 80 shots fired, causing panic as partygoers fled for safety. Seven victims remain hospitalized, with one previously reported in critical condition. The scale and intensity of the attack suggest a coordinated effort by multiple perpetrators, adding an alarming dimension to this already tragic event.
Multiple Shooters and Prior Noise Complaint
Investigators have determined that more than one shooter was involved in the attack, though the exact number remains unclear. This detail raises serious questions about the premeditated nature of the violence and the potential motives behind it. Interestingly, deputies had responded to the same location nearly two hours earlier for a noise complaint, though authorities have stated there is no evidence linking that earlier call to the subsequent shooting.
“Our investigation indicates more than one shooter was involved in the incident. We are still working to determine when they arrived, how they arrived, what their reasoning was for their presence. Also, their motive,” said Major Aaron Turk, Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
“As I stand here, more than 80 shots were fired,” said Major Aaron Turk, Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
Multi-Agency Investigation Underway
A massive law enforcement response has been mobilized to investigate this horrific incident. The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Hickory Police Department, and the FBI. No arrests have been made as of this reporting, but authorities are working diligently to identify and apprehend those responsible for this senseless act of violence that has devastated the local community.
“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,” said Catawba County Sheriff Donald G. Brown II.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The lack of immediate arrests despite the significant number of witnesses highlights the challenges investigators face, including potential witness intimidation and fear of retaliation. The extensive crime scene, covering multiple properties and involving both indoor and outdoor areas, further complicates evidence collection efforts. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for swift justice for the victims of this tragic attack.
