HICKORY, N.C. — Gunfire broke out early Sunday at a house party in western North Carolina, leaving one person dead and 11 others injured. Some suffered gunshot wounds, while others were hurt fleeing the scene in what is usually a quiet residential neighborhood, deputies reported.
Authorities said at least 80 shots were fired around 12:45 a.m. Witnesses described people running, ducking for cover, and scrambling to their cars to escape. As of Sunday evening, no arrests had been made, and law enforcement asked the public for tips.
The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood of Lenoir. He was the oldest among those hurt, who ranged in age from 16 and up. Seven of the injured remained hospitalized Sunday night, though updates on their conditions were not immediately available. One victim had earlier been reported in critical condition.
A sheriff’s spokesperson said authorities believe there was more than one shooter. The agency urged anyone who attended the party to contact them.
At a news conference, Sheriff’s Office Major Aaron Turk said the shooting happened in a normally quiet neighborhood about seven miles (11 kilometers) south of Hickory.
He mentioned that roughly two hours before the shooting, someone in a nearby home complained about noise from the party. Deputies responded, but investigators do not believe the noise complaint motivated the shooting.
Turk explained the crime scene covered several properties along a neighborhood road, spanning about two acres (0.8 hectares), including both outdoor and indoor areas.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Hickory Police Department are leading the investigation. The FBI is also involved, assisting with a specialized evidence response team.
