WINSTON-SALEM, NC — A Monday morning at a local public park turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy when a “planned fight” between two individuals escalated into a deadly mass shooting.
The Winston-Salem Police Department confirmed that two teenagers were killed and five other people—most of them minors—were injured during the gunfire at Leinbach Park. As of Monday evening, investigators are still working to identify suspects, and no one is currently in custody.
Chaos Erupts During Morning “Planned Fight”
The incident began around 9:52 a.m. when officers were dispatched to the park following reports of a large fight in progress. While police were still en route, the calls quickly shifted to reports of “shots fired” with multiple victims down.
“When officers arrived, they saw multiple people fleeing the area,” Winston-Salem Police Capt. Kevin Burns stated during a Monday news conference.
Officers discovered two victims, aged 16 and 17, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. One was found in the park’s parking lot, while the other was located further inside the park. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Multiple Minors Among the Injured
In addition to the two fatalities, five other individuals were struck by gunfire. Their injuries range from minor to critical. According to police, the victims include:
- 14-year-old female
- 15-year-old female
- 17-year-old female
- 18-year-old male
- 19-year-old female
Capt. Burns noted that detectives are still determining the roles of everyone involved. “Preliminary information indicates that some of those injured may have also been involved in the shooting,” he added. Due to North Carolina privacy laws, the names of the juvenile victims have not been released.
School Lockdowns and Community Safety
The shooting triggered immediate safety protocols at nearby schools. Several campuses were placed on a “secure hold” as a precaution while police cleared the area. School officials later confirmed there was no direct threat to students on campus, and the hold was lifted once the park was secured.
Police have emphasized that the incident was isolated to Leinbach Park and was not a school-related event. However, the brazen nature of the shooting in a public space during daylight hours has left the Winston-Salem community on edge.
Investigation Ongoing: Police Seek Tips
The Winston-Salem Police Department is currently processing evidence and interviewing witnesses who fled the scene. They are investigating what the initial fight was about and whether the two deceased teenagers were the intended participants in the original dispute.
Can You Help? Police are urging anyone who was at the park or has video footage of the incident to come forward. Accountability in this case depends on community cooperation.
If you have any information, please contact the Winston-Salem Police Department’s non-emergency line at 336-773-7700.
What is your reaction to this violence in our local parks? Should there be more security at public recreational areas, or is this a deeper community issue?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and help spread the word to find those responsible.
