Two Dead, 11 Injured in Two Halloween Night Shootings in Jacksonville

Two people died and eleven others were shot in separate incidents at Halloween parties in Jacksonville early Sunday morning. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office confirmed the toll during a press conference on Sunday.

The first shooting began around 1:45 a.m. in the 6200 block of Arlington Expressway. A fight broke out outside a gathering where a crowd was waiting to enter. Gunfire erupted during the altercation. Three people were hit by bullets. A 17-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Two others were treated for their injuries and are expected to recover.

Commander Jacob Vorpahl stated that the three victims were bystanders. They were not part of the fight that triggered the shooting. Investigators believe at least two young Black men in dark clothing were responsible for the first incident.

A second shooting occurred roughly two hours later, around 3:50 a.m., at a house on West 5th Street. A 20-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound. He later died at a nearby hospital. Nine additional people arrived at area hospitals on their own, bringing the total for the second incident to ten victims. The survivors range in age from 15 to 25. One is in life-threatening condition.

Police have not released suspect information for the West 5th Street shooting. Sheriff T.K. Waters condemned the violence in a statement. He described the acts as senseless and said the department would work tirelessly to bring the criminals to justice.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is asking the public to call (904) 630-0500 with information. An anonymous tip can be submitted to First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. A reward of up to $5,000 is available for information that leads to an arrest.