Crime
18-Year-Old Joe Anthony Identified as Victim Killed in Sweet 16 Mass Shooting in Southeast Houston
The violence began after an uninvited guest was asked to leave the party.
Houston police are investigating a deadly mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning during a Sweet 16 celebration in southeast Houston.
The tragic incident left one teenager dead and 15 others injured.
The shooting took place just before 1:00 a.m. in the 6000 block of Cherryhill Street, where a large family gathering was underway.
According to the Houston Police Department, the violence began after an uninvited guest was asked to leave the party.
As he exited the event, the suspect opened fire.
Police say several individuals at the scene returned gunfire, creating a chaotic and dangerous situation.
Officers responding to the scene reported hearing multiple gunshots as they arrived. Victims were found in various locations surrounding the home, and reports of additional gunfire continued to come in as emergency crews secured the area.
In an effort to safely provide aid, officers coordinated a plan to move injured victims to a nearby Jack in the Box on Long Street near Loop 610, where Houston Fire Department personnel could reach and treat them more efficiently.
Some of the wounded were transported by ambulance, while others were taken to local hospitals by private vehicles.
Among those injured, the victims ranged in age from 16 to 40 years old. As of now, police have not released specific details about their conditions.
The sole fatality has been identified as 18-year-old Joe Anthony, affectionately known as “Joey” to family and friends.
His loved ones describe him as the heart and soul of every room he enteredโwhether as a friend or a playful headache, his presence was always cherished. Joey had just graduated from high school last year and recently completed welding school. He had a promising career ahead, having secured a job he was scheduled to start this week.
Joey, the second oldest of seven brothers, was thrilled to be welcoming the family’s first baby girl as a proud first-time uncle. His family says he had a heart of gold and was deeply loved by everyone who knew him. He is already missed beyond words.
As the investigation continues, multiple individuals have been detained for questioning. However, no suspects have been officially arrested or identified at this time.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have been present at the time of the shooting to come forward.
Please contact the HPD Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS (8477).
The community is encouraged to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
A fundraiser effort has also been initiated to support Joeyโs family in the wake of this devastating loss.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. โ Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.