In the predawn hours of Sunday, June 1, 2025, a vibrant house party in the quiet Mountain View community of Catawba County, North Carolina, turned into a scene of unimaginable tragedy. The sound of gunfire shattered the night, leaving 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood of Lenoir dead and eleven others wounded. The shooting, reported at approximately 12:45 a.m. at a residence on Walnut Acres Drive, has left the close-knit community reeling and authorities scrambling to piece together the events that led to this devastating act of violence.
Emergency responders from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office and Hickory Police Department arrived swiftly after multiple 911 calls flooded dispatch lines, reporting shots fired in the residential neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers discovered a chaotic scene with twelve individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Shawn Patrick Hood was pronounced dead at the scene, his life cut short in an instant. Among the survivors, one victim was reported in critical condition and rushed to a hospital in Charlotte, while the remaining ten were transported to local medical facilities for treatment of serious injuries. The ages of the victims, ranging from teenagers to adults, underscored the indiscriminate nature of the violence that unfolded.
Investigators from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Hickory Police Department, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation have been working tirelessly at the scene, joined by federal agents from the FBI and ATF. The crime scene, described as sprawling across multiple properties and encompassing both indoor and outdoor areas, has proven complex. Authorities estimate that more than 80 shots were fired, with evidence suggesting multiple shooters and various weapons, including long guns, were involved. Shell casings littered the house, front and back yards, and even a neighboring property, painting a picture of a frenzied and widespread attack.
The shooting occurred during a large gathering, reportedly a pool party attended by approximately 100 people, including many local high school students. Witnesses described a terrifying scene, with partygoers scattering in panic, ducking for cover, and fleeing toward safety as gunfire erupted. One anonymous attendee recounted hearing a barrage of shots and seeing people running in all directions, some calling out for help. The event had drawn attention earlier in the evening when deputies responded to a noise complaint around 11 p.m. After instructing residents to lower the music, officers left without incident, and no evidence currently links the earlier complaint to the subsequent violence.
As of Sunday evening, no arrests had been made, and the motive remained elusive. Investigators are exploring whether the shooting stemmed from a targeted dispute or an argument that escalated during the party. Major Aaron Turk of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the incident does not appear to be a random act, reassuring the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. However, the lack of suspects has heightened the urgency for community assistance. Authorities are urging anyone with information, including eyewitness accounts or video footage, to contact the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 828-464-3112, stressing that even minor details could prove critical in identifying those responsible.
The tragedy has cast a heavy shadow over the Mountain View community, a typically serene area about 55 miles northwest of Charlotte. Local leaders, including Sheriff Don Brown, have expressed their shock, noting the rarity of such violence in the region. Governor Josh Stein and his wife Anna issued a statement expressing heartbreak for the victims and their families, while Congressman Pat Harrigan confirmed that his office is in contact with local authorities to offer support. The community has begun to rally, with plans for vigils to honor Shawn Patrick Hood and support the injured, whose identities remain undisclosed out of respect for their families.
The investigation, described as ongoing and intricate, is expected to take time due to the scale of the crime scene and the number of individuals involved. Law enforcement agencies are meticulously collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and analyzing forensic data in their pursuit of justice. District Attorney Scott Riley, speaking at a press conference, extended condolences to the victims’ families, acknowledging the profound impact of this “senseless act of violence.” As the community grapples with grief and fear, the call for unity and cooperation resonates, with hopes that collective efforts will bring answers and closure to a neighborhood forever changed by tragedy.
