2 more victims announced in Jasper after-prom shooting

JASPER, Texas (KTRE) - The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office held another media briefing on Tuesday afternoon regarding a weekend after-prom party shooting.

No fatalities from the incident have been reported, but the initial gunshot injury count of nine has been raised to 11. According to Sheriff Mitchel Newman, two additional victims self-admitted to the hospital on Monday. Eight of the victims have returned home, while three remain hospitalized.

Sheriff Mitchel Newman also estimated the witnesses to number around 200, all of which, the speakers noted, are eligible for and recommended to attend counseling for the trauma of seeing and running from the crime scene.

“Everyone present is a victim of an extremely traumatic event,’ said the county’s crime victim’s coordinator LaRonnia Gray.

Newman said they currently have four people of interest.

“Myself, Chief Deputy Scott Duncan, and deputies are working around the clock to process evidence and statements and follow leads,” he said.

Newman confirmed a vehicle used in the shooting was found abandoned, but did not release where it was found.

When questioned about what charges the suspects could expect to face, the sheriff said they could not speculate until arrests had been made, but “it’s going to be a lot.”

Following the shooting, Newman said they have added officers at schools within the county. “There have been no safety issues in any of the districts regarding this incident and we will insure that we provide whatever assistance they need.”

“What should’ve been a very special evening turned into a tragic event that will, unfortunately, be remembered for all the wrong reasons,” said Jasper district attorney Anne Pickle

Pickle also said they intend to prosecute everyone who is responsible.

“Children are the most precious and vulnerable members for our society and senseless acts of violence endangering their lives will not be tolerated in Jasper County.”

The speakers said that this is a large, multi-departmental case, involving the DPS, ATF, Texas Rangers, Jasper Police Department, and Jasper County Sheriff’s office.

The Sheriff’s Office has promised press releases with updated information on the case starting Wednesday, and continuing as details come in until the case has closed.

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