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.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.