A massive block party in Georgia turned deadly early Sunday when gunfire erupted through a crowd of more than 1,000 people, leaving two men dead and 35 others injured.
The shooting happened at about 1:25 a.m. on Oct. 4 in Vienna, a small city about 50 miles south of Macon.
Deputies with the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office were already patrolling the gathering near Pine Street when they suddenly heard shots.
Authorities said gunfire broke out near the 900 block of Pine Street, sending hundreds of people running in every direction.
Deputies rushed toward the violence and discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Two men were found several blocks away in the 600 block of Pine Street and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation later identified them as 21-year-old Ja’Quavion Aderious Jackson of Cordele and 23-year-old Macaleb Malik Jackson of Hawkinsville.
Authorities said the two men were not believed to be related.
Thirty-five other people were injured during the chaos.
The victims range in age from 14 to 51, according to authorities.
Their injuries range from stable to critical.
Officials said most of those hurt suffered gunshot wounds, while others were injured after being struck by vehicles as terrified partygoers tried to flee the area.
Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy said more than 50 gunshots were heard.
As deputies tried to reach the wounded, additional gunfire reportedly erupted about a block away.
Peavy described the scene as one of the most difficult he has encountered during more than four decades in law enforcement.
Officers did not initially know whether the additional shots were being fired at them or at other people nearby.
Despite the danger, deputies continued moving through the area to help victims and secure the scene.
The gathering had drawn more than 1,000 people and stretched across several blocks.
It took place during Dooly County High School’s homecoming weekend, but school officials stressed that the party was not organized, sponsored or sanctioned by the school district.
Officials also said the city had not issued a permit for the block party.
The violence came during a weekend that had otherwise included homecoming celebrations in the community.
Dooly County School Superintendent Sherrod Willaford acknowledged that many students, employees and families could still be affected because of their connections to those who attended.
Schools remained open Monday with additional safety measures and support in place.
Investigators have not said what sparked the shooting.
No suspects have been publicly identified or arrested.
Authorities also have not determined how many people opened fire.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has deployed multiple investigative teams to the area as agents interview witnesses, collect evidence and review video from the crowded event.
Officials are asking anyone who recorded cellphone video or has other information from the party to come forward.
The investigation remains active.
Once the GBI completes its work, the case will be turned over to the Cordele Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
For the small community of Vienna, the shooting has left dozens of families dealing with injuries and two families grieving the deaths of young men after what was supposed to be a weekend celebration.
