CATAWBA COUNTY, NC (LOOTPRESS) – Authorities are investigating a mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in the Mountain View community of southwest Catawba County, leaving one person dead and eleven others injured.
Deputies from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the Hickory Police Department responded at approximately 12:45 a.m. to a report of multiple people shot at a residence on Walnut Acres Drive. The incident took place during a large gathering at the home.
As of this release, one victim, identified as Shawn Patrick Hood, 58, of Lenoir, has died. His next of kin have been notified. Seven other victims remain hospitalized with various injuries—some from gunfire, others sustained while fleeing the scene. The ages of the victims range from 16 to 57 years old.
The shooting has prompted a joint investigation involving the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the Hickory Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI – Charlotte). No arrests have been made at this time.
Law enforcement officials are currently processing an expansive crime scene that spans the entire stretch of Walnut Acres Drive. Investigators are working to identify a motive and the individuals responsible.
Officials urge anyone who attended the party or who may have video or photo evidence to contact the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 828-464-3112, or upload media directly to the FBI at: www.fbi.gov/catawbacountyshooting.
Additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
