‘Heartbroken.’ Police reveal details about NC shooting that killed 2, hurt 5.
Police revealed more details Friday about what they believe prompted Monday’s shooting that killed two teenagers and hurt five others in a Winston-Salem park.
A feud between a 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl sparked the violence in Leinbach Park on Sally Kirk Road Northwest, Police Chief William Penn Jr. said. The park remains temporarily closed, according to Google Maps.
The two teenagers planned to fight each other, Penn said in a statement on social media.
Word spread, more got involved, police chief says
As word about the fight spread, a group of teens and young adults agreed to meet at the park to either join in the fight or to watch and record the encounter, he said.
After the initial fight, the situation escalated, the chief said. Guns were drawn by young people in the park, and 17-year-old Erubey Romero Medina and 16-year-old Daniel Jiminez Milian were killed, Penn said.
Five people whose ages range from 14 to 19 were hospitalized with minor to serious injuries after being shot, police reported Thursday.
Police so far have arrested and charged an 18-year-old with felony child abuse. The charge applies when a parent, caregiver or supervisor of someone under age 16 is negligent and displays “a reckless disregard of human life,” officials said.
Friday, police also arrested a 21-year-old woman on a felony charge of inciting to riot. She was jailed on $50,000 secured bond, according to police.
“Our deepest condolences”
Penn thanked members of his department “for their swift and thorough investigation,” and first responders “who assisted at this chaotic and tragic scene.”
“We continue to extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones impacted by Monday’s mass shooting,” the chief said. “Our community is heartbroken. This is not something any city ever wants to experience or be known for.”