A peaceful North Carolina neighborhood was shattered early Sunday morning when a house party erupted into gunfire, leaving one man dead and 11 others injured in what authorities are calling a mass shooting. The suspect, 20-year-old Garon Nathaniel Killian of Lenoir, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder — despite already being out on bond for a prior attempted murder charge from April.
The shooting occurred just after midnight in a residential neighborhood about 7 miles south of Hickory, turning a festive gathering into a crime scene strewn with over 80 bullets, chaos, and heartbreak.
Killian, who was arrested Tuesday, had been previously charged in an April 6 incident involving attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly firing into a crowd during an altercation in a parking lot. Although no one was injured in that case, he was released on $100,000 bond.
In light of the new charges, local law enforcement officials expressed disbelief and anger that Killian had been released in the first place.
“I believe he should have never gone back on the street,” said Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown, calling the decision to release Killian on a new $200,000 bond for the latest incident “infuriating.”
Hickory Police Chief Reed Baer echoed the outrage, highlighting what many view as a dangerous lapse in the criminal justice process.
Authorities identified the sole fatality as 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood of Lenoir, who was among a diverse group of attendees at the party that included individuals as young as 16 years old.
Catawba County Sheriff's officials confirmed that most of the injured were shot, though their current medical conditions have not been publicly disclosed.
Investigators say the shooting began from an elevated vantage point in a yard neighboring the house. Soon, additional gunfire erupted around the residence, including in the front yard and nearby roadway, turning the scene into what one deputy described as “an all-out war zone.”
As of Wednesday, authorities were pursuing two additional suspects, both wanted on charges of attempted first-degree murder. Two others were arrested for allegedly providing alcohol to individuals under 21 during the party, which is being scrutinized for its promotion and planning aspects.
The FBI has joined the investigation, helping reconstruct bullet trajectories and analyze forensic evidence across a wide area that includes several properties.
According to the Catawba County Sheriff's Office, the hosts and organizers of the party may face legal consequences as well. Two individuals were charged with providing alcohol to minors, and more charges may follow if it’s proven that negligent planning contributed to the unsafe environment where the shooting took place.
This raises broader questions about social host liability, a legal doctrine that can hold individuals civilly responsible for injuries or deaths resulting from negligent supervision at private events.
Mass shootings leave behind not just physical injuries and emotional trauma, but also long-term financial and legal burdens. Victims of such violence — and the families of those killed — often have civil rights in addition to criminal proceedings.
Potential legal claims may include:
Wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of the deceased
Civil suits for personal injury covering medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
Negligent security or premises liability claims if property owners failed to ensure reasonable safety
Claims against hosts under social host or dram shop liability laws
While the criminal system may punish offenders, civil litigation is essential for helping victims recover damages and move forward.
At Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, we stand with victims of mass shootings and their families in pursuit of justice, accountability, and healing. Whether the harm occurred in a private home, public space, or business, our experienced legal team investigates every angle — from the shooter’s background to the venue’s responsibilities.
We believe that preventable violence must have consequences, and we work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive compensation and support through compassionate, aggressive representation.
If you or a loved one was affected by a mass shooting, don’t wait to take legal action. Contact Haggard Crime Victim Attorney today for a free, confidential consultation. You deserve answers. You deserve justice.
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