Crime
1 killed, 5 injured after mass shooting at Halloween party in Shasta County
An individual responsible for the shooting was identified and has been interviewed.
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, at approximately 1:10 AM, Shasta County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of a gunshot victim at a residence in the 21000 block of Highway 299 East, Bella Vista.
Responding deputies learned the incident occurred at the site of a large Halloween party and officers from the Redding and Anderson Police Departments responded to assist.
When officers arrived on scene, one 18-year-old male victim was located deceased and 5 other adult victims with non-life threatening injuries were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The coroner’s office has confirmed the identity of the victim as 18-year-old Drake Myles Alfaro from Redding, California. They have notified the next of kin, and a postmortem examination will be scheduled.
While on scene, officers contacted numerous people who were non-compliant.
Three individuals were arrested in violation of 148(a) PC Resisting or Obstructing a Peace Officer.
An individual responsible for the shooting was identified and has been interviewed.
The circumstances that led to the shooting are still being investigated.
At this time there is no threat to the public.
Numerous people attending the party fled the area prior to deputies arriving on scene. This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Shasta County Major Crimes Unit at 530-245-6135 or by email at MCU@shastacounty.gov.
Additionally, it was determined that there was underage drinking at the party and officials with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) have been notified of the incident.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.