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 entered—whether 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 Joey’s family in the wake of this devastating loss.
Crime
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”