Catawba County mass shooting: Authorities reveal who fired fatal shot at house party gone deadly

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — After weeks of investigative work involving more than 150 law enforcement officers, federal and state officials gathered on Tuesday to announce indictments in the deadly mass shooting at a Catawba County pool party.

The shooting killed one person and injured 11 others. While the case remains active, Tuesday’s news conference marked a major milestone, with authorities announcing grand jury indictments against seven suspects believed to have planned and executed the shooting.

On Tuesday, authorities also confirmed, for the first time, who fired the shot that killed 58-year-old Shawn Hood at the party.

A Planned Ambush

During Tuesday’s news conference, authorities emphasized the mass shooting was deliberate, coordinated, and intended to cause mass harm.

“What happened is not only unthinkable, it was deliberate, it was coordinated and it was intended to cause mass harm,” said Catawba County District Attorney Scott Reilly. “These were innocent people,  who had simply gathered to enjoy themselves one of those victims tragically lost his life.”

The DA’s Office, the FBI, the State Bureau of Investigation, the Alcohol Law Enforcement, and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office were all part of Tuesday’s indictment announcement.

“On June first, our community was shaken by a reckless and violent act,” said Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown.

Authorities identified a group they’re calling the “Hillside Shooters,” who they said planned the shooting in advance using social media, including Snapchat messages referencing plans to “air it out,” meaning open fire. The indicted suspects include:

• Garon Killian
• Ke’Andre Mack
• Toland Huff Jr.
• Zachary Bates
• Izaiah Mitchell
• Charles Rodell Kincaid III

Each faces 63 counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, charges that reflect the estimated 63 people in the line of fire, police said.

Additionally:

• Toland Huff Jr. also faces two counts of accessory after the fact related to a separate shooting
• Zoe Braswell, the only non-gang-affiliated suspect indicted, faces four counts of accessory after the fact for helping some of the accused after the shooting

The Investigation

Sheriff Don Brown called it “one of the most comprehensive investigations I’ve witnessed in my 37 years.” The FBI conducted more than 100 interviews, collected bullet trajectory data, and spent four days at the scene, later sending evidence to its lab in Quantico.

The SBI logged more than 700 hours, with agents from four of eight North Carolina districts assisting. Authorities said that there’s no doubt this was a premeditated attack, with the shooters opening fire into a crowded backyard, with people at the property returning fire.

Officials estimate around 80 rounds were fired that day, with bullets hitting people, vehicles, and homes. At least 11 people were shot; another was injured while fleeing. Evidence points to four shooters, one getaway driver, and one conspirator who didn’t fire, authorities said on Tuesday.

Who Killed Shawn Hood?

Investigators announced that Shawn Hood was not targeted by the “Hillside Shooters.” Instead, he was unintentionally struck by a guest at the party who was trying to return fire in self-defense. Authorities said evidence shows this person did not intend to shoot Hood.

As of right now, no charges will be filed against this person. Officials cited North Carolina self-defense laws and the fact that the act, while tragic, was not criminal.

Case Remains Open

Authorities are still seeking additional people who they said returned fire on that day. They said facial recognition analysis shows more than 100 people were at the party.

It’s still unclear whether the home was rented for the event. Officials continue to investigate whether partygoers were gang-affiliated or simply caught in the crossfire.

Court dates for some of the accused are set for this week.

As this investigation continues, officials are urging anyone with information, photos, or video from the party to contact the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 828-464-3112.