More than nine victims were discovered after a shooting broke out Sunday during a prom party in Jasper County, Texas, around four hours outside of Dallas.
“Violence will not be tolerated in this county – our kids deserve to be safe,” said Jasper County Sheriff Mitchel Newman during a press conference this week. He said the department has identified 11 shooting victims, more than the nine initially reported in a press release.
According to the press release, around 250 people were gathered at the after-prom party at a residence on County Road 263 when the incident occurred shortly before midnight. Victims were found with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.
“Deputies believe about 250 teens from Jasper and Kirbyville were at the party north of Jasper on County Road 263 when it took place. Both schools held proms Saturday night,” said 12News. It also said that law enforcement is expected to provide extra security at schools in Jasper County.
Eight of the victims were transported to Jasper Memorial Hospital in Jasper, Texas, via personal vehicles, said authorities. Some of the victims were transferred to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas.
“A secondary shooting occurred within the city limits of Jasper, Texas, on Valley Drive, just off Bevil Loop,” said the press release. “Jasper Police Department is investigating this incident, but there is a possible connection between the two shooting.”
Newman confirmed Tuesday that authorities were still investigating whether the incidents are connected.
“Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Shana Clark told 12News they found two cars from the second shooting abandoned in Jasper County,” the outlet reported. “Those vehicles are being processed.”
Per the sheriff’s office, no motive has been established as of the press release publication time, but several witnesses and persons of interest were being interviewed. Newman said Tuesday that authorities have identified “at least four people of interest,” related to the shooting.
He said that there have been no other safety issues regarding the incident. Newman also said that the department will not release the names of juvenile victims and that it is not releasing the names of adult victims at this time.
As of Tuesday, the investigation was ongoing. Newman asked the public for help, including any photos or information about the party that could aid investigators.
Jasper County District Attorney Anne Pickle was also present at the press conference with a victim services coordinator. She said her office has aided law enforcement in the investigation to identify perpetrators of the shooting.
“What should have been a special evening turned into a tragic event,” she said.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting can contact the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 409-384-5417, said authorities.
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