Texas Authorities: 2 Dead, 22 Hurt in Gunfire at Party

Two people were killed at least 22 others were injured late Saturday night when gunfire rang out at a large house party in a Houston suburb, sending partygoers fleeing in panic, authorities said.

More than 100 people, mostly young adults, had gathered at a home in Houston suburb of Cypress, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. The gunfire happened between 11:30 p.m. and midnight, the sheriff’s office said.

A man and woman died – one at the scene and another at a hospital – and those hurt had injuries ranging from minor to critical, the sheriff’s office said. None of the victims were identified by name.

Two suspects were being sought early Sunday, but officials did not elaborate. There was no immediate word on how many shots were fired or a possible motive.

“It was a pretty chaotic scene,” Sheriff’s Office spokesman Thomas Gilliland told the Houston Chronicle, adding that deputies saw some people lying on the ground and others running.

Karen Briones was visiting relatives in the neighborhood, which is about 25 miles northwest of downtown Houston.

“Girls were crying and screaming, banging on people’s doors asking them for help and to call 911,” she told the newspaper.

The sheriff’s statement said those hurt were taken to at least five area medical centers or hospitals, some by paramedics and some in private vehicles. Gilliland told the newspaper that some people were shot in the foot, ankle and hip, and others fleeing the home had twisted ankles.

Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Christina Garza told the Chronicle that at least one parent was in the house and that investigators were trying to determine if alcohol had been served at the party.