Catawba County Mass Shooting
The chaos that erupted during a large house party early Sunday morning in the Mountain View community in Hickory, North Carolina, has taken another turn. A second suspect, identified as Toland Huff Jr., is now wanted in connection to the Catawba County mass shooting that killed one and injured eleven others.
Authorities confirmed during a Wednesday press conference that Huff has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and remains on the run. Police believe he and 20-year-old Garon Killian, the first suspect arrested, opened fire from a hillside near the home on Walnut Acres Drive, where the party was taking place.
More than 80 shots were fired that night.
SUSPECTS FIRED FROM A HILLSIDE AS PARTYGOERS FIRED SHOTS TOO
Investigators say Huff and Killian were allegedly posted up on a neighboring hill when they unleashed gunfire toward the packed party. Officials confirmed that some of the partygoers were also armed and returned fire, but it’s unclear whether their shooting was separate or part of a gun battle with the hilltop shooters.
One of the victims, 58-year-old Shawn Hoodof Lenoir, died at the scene. Authorities believe he was helping with the party promotion. Officials described the shooting as a “seemingly unprovoked attack.”
KILLIAN WAS OUT ON BOND FOR A PRIOR ATTEMPTED MURDER
Court records show Killian was out on bond for attempted murder charges stemming from a separate April shooting in Hickory. Officials say Huff may have been involved in that same case, though exact charges against him remain unknown.
Garon Killian Arrested In Catawba County Mass Shooting That Left One Dead and 11 Injured
This revelation has sparked outrage in the community, with many questioning how Killian was released from jail with such serious charges still pending.
GANG INVOLVEMENT & UNDERAGE DRINKING INVESTIGATION
Police also revealed that some suspects admitted to gang ties, and they are investigating whether gang beefs may have motivated the shooting. In addition, two men—Raekwon Craig and Patric Tolbert—are wanted by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division (NC ALE) for aiding and abetting underage alcohol possession.
The party, promoted online, attracted a crowd of around 100 people at a home south of Hickory.
A third suspect is wanted in connection to the shooting. 19-year-old Ke’Andre Mack of Hickory is charged with attempted first-degree murder for his involvement in the mass shooting.
The sheriff’s office is asking for the public’s help in locating Mack, who they said is considered armed and dangerous, officials said. They are also urging anyone with information about Toland Huff Jr.’s whereabouts to come forward.
Killian remains in jail under a $200,000 bond.
1 thought on “Two More Suspects Wanted In Deadly Catawba County Mass Shooting”
Pingback: Hickory Police Officer Shoots Dog — Family Demands Justice