HICKORY, N.C. — A shooting occurred during a house party in western North Carolina early Sunday morning, resulting in one fatality and leaving 11 others injured. Some of the injuries were due to gunfire, while others occurred as people fled the scene in the typically peaceful residential area, according to reports from the sheriff’s deputies.
Officials reported that at least 80 shots were fired around 12:45 a.m. during the incident. Witnesses described running, taking cover, and hurrying to their vehicles for safety. By Sunday afternoon, authorities had not made any arrests and were appealing to the public for any information regarding the case.
According to a statement issued by the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Shawn Patrick Hood, a 58-year-old man from Lenoir, was among those who were shot and was the oldest victim. The ages of those affected ranged down to 16 years old. By late Sunday, seven of the injured individuals were still in the hospital, but there were no immediate updates on their conditions. Previously, one victim was reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities believe there was more than one shooter, a sheriff’s spokesperson said. The agency said it was asking for people who attended the party to contact the office.
Sheriff’s office Maj. Aaron Turk aid at a news conference that the shooting occurred in a normally quiet neighbhoord in southwest Catawba County about 7 miles (11 kilometers) south of the city of Hickory.
He said that about two hours before the shooting, someone in another home complained about noise from the party. He added that deputies responded but that investigators don’t believe the noise complaint was the motivation for the shooting.
Turk said the crime scene spanned several properties along a neighborhood road, covering about two acres (0.8 hectares), and included outdoor and indoor areas.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Hickory Police Department are investigating the shooting. The FBI is also assisting in the case with a specialized evidence response team, officials said.
Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to contact the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 828-464-3112.
