A late-night birthday gathering in Macon, Georgia, turned into a mass shooting early Sunday morning, leaving 12 teenagers wounded, two of them critically, after two groups confronted each other at Carolyn Crayton Park.
The shooting happened shortly after midnight Sunday near the park’s skatepark area, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were called to the park after reports of gunfire, but before they arrived, several victims had already been rushed to a hospital in private vehicles. The initial count was 11 wounded, but authorities later linked a 12th victim to the same shooting after a 19-year-old man arrived at a medical facility around 12:24 p.m. Sunday with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. CBS Atlanta
The victims include five 18-year-old males, five 17-year-old males, and two 18-year-old females. One 17-year-old and one 18-year-old remained in critical but stable condition, while the others were listed as stable. CBS Atlanta
Bibb County Sheriff David Davis said the gathering began as an 18th birthday party at an Airbnb in Jones County. The group was reportedly told to leave after the property owner learned firearms were present. The teens then moved the party to Carolyn Crayton Park, which is near downtown Macon and was formerly known as Central City Park. WPGA
Once at the park, investigators say another group arrived across the street. The two groups exchanged words, displayed guns, and then opened fire. Sheriff Davis said surveillance video showed gunfire erupting for roughly 30 seconds as people ran from the area. Associated Press via NY1
Authorities have not said who fired first, how many guns were involved, or what specifically triggered the confrontation. Davis said investigators are looking at several possible angles, including school connections, personal disputes, and a possible gang connection, but nothing had been finalized.
Several students from Central High School and Northeast High School were reportedly at the party. The sheriff said three of the wounded were football players at Northeast High School, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. AJC
Investigators have taken multiple vehicles for evidence processing, including vehicles that transported victims to the hospital and others left at the park. Ten witnesses were interviewed by the sheriff’s office. The FBI is assisting because of the number of victims and people involved, though Davis said the evidence so far points to a local incident rather than a broader threat. CBS Atlanta
No arrests had been announced as of Monday morning, but Davis said investigators have persons of interest and warned that a heavier police presence should be expected as arrests are pursued.
“There’s no indication that any of these individuals who were injured at this time participated in the gunfire,” Davis said, according to the Associated Press. Associated Press via NY1
Davis also raised the question of adult responsibility, saying investigators would examine whether parents, guardians, or other adults knew the young people had access to guns. He said if adults can be charged in connection with the firearms, authorities will pursue that.
The emergency room where victims arrived was temporarily locked down because of the number of vehicles and people showing up after the shooting. Officials have asked anyone with information to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers.
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock said he was following the investigation and praying for the injured and their families. CBS Atlanta
What began as a teenager’s birthday celebration ended with a dozen young people shot, two fighting for their lives, and investigators now sorting through witnesses, vehicles, video and shell casings to determine who turned a park gathering into a battlefield.
