Catawba County Sheriff’s Office Announce Indictments In June 1st Mass Shooting

Seven indictments were announced Tuesday in connection to a mass shooting in the Mountain View Community of Catawba County on June 1st.

During a news conference Tuesday morning, representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, Catawba County District Attorney’s Office and Catawba County Sheriff’s Office provided updates on the case. 

One person died and 11 others were wounded.

“Our typically quiet community was tragically shaken by a reckless and violent act,” Sheriff Don Brown said. “A mass shooting that has deeply affected us all. This horrific event disrupted the peace we cherish and has left an in an indelible mark on our hearts.”

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the shooting was gang related.

The seven people indicted are as follows:

Garon Nathaniel Killian; 1 count conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, 63 counts attempted first-degree murder, plus 7 additional counts from the prior “Party City shooting”
Ke’Andre O’Neal Mack: 1 count conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, 63 counts attempted first-degree murder
Toland Huff Jr.: 1 count conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, 63 counts attempted first-degree murder, plus 2 counts accessory after the fact from the Party City incident
Zachary Michael Bates: 1 count conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, 63 counts attempted first-degree murder
Izaiah Kane Mitchell (also referred to as Zay Harris): 1 count conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, 63 counts attempted first-degree murder
Charles Rodell Kincaid III: 1 count conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, 63 counts attempted first-degree murder
Zoe Braswell: 4 counts accessory after the fact to attempted first-degree murder 

“These indictments make a major step for accountability,” Catawba County District Attorney  Scott Reilly said. “But they are just the beginning.”

Over 100 interviews were conducted by FBI agents and their partners in the investigation.
The FBI said roughly 80 rounds were fired during the shooting — some hitting people, others hitting houses and parked cars. 

“People that pull a trigger, a bullet doesn’t care where it goes,” James Barnacle with the FBI said. “They have a responsibility and they’re going to face justice.”

The gunfire erupted at a large, organized pool party in the Walnut Acres subdivision. The event was promoted on social media and drew a crowd of about 100 people. There was also an admission fee to get in before the night turned chaotic. The attack was coordinated through group chats and social media messages, according to investigators.

The deceased victim was identified as Shawn Hood, 58, of Lenoir. Investigators believe he may have played a role in organizing or promoting the event. Officials said the person responsible for killing Hood was at the party and returning fire at the shooters when they accidentally shot Hood. As the shooting was deemed self defense and not targeted at him, officials are not pursuing criminal charges against the person responsible for his death. 

The victims are between the ages of 16 and 58. Some of those injured suffered gunshot wounds while others were injured fleeing the gunshots, according to officials. 

Photos: Catawba County Sheriff’s Office