Twelve teenagers were shot during a late-night birthday celebration at Carolyn Crayton Park in Macon, Georgia, according to Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. The incident occurred just after midnight on Sunday, resulting in gunshot wounds to four 18-year-old males, two 18-year-old females, five 17-year-old males, and one 19-year-old male.
The shooting followed a dispute between two groups of people at the park. Sheriff Davis stated that the victims had initially gathered at an Airbnb in Jones County for the birthday party but were asked to leave. They then relocated to the park, where another group arrived and a confrontation escalated into gunfire. Surveillance video from the park shows an eruption of gunfire lasting about 30 seconds, after which people fled the area.
All victims were transported to a nearby hospital in personal vehicles. Two of the injured—a 19-year-old male and a 17-year-old male—were in critical condition, while the remaining victims were treated for stable injuries. Sheriff Davis emphasized that there was no indication the injured individuals participated in the shooting.
Investigators, including the FBI, are assisting in the case, which remains ongoing. No arrests have been made, but deputies identified several persons of interest and impounded multiple vehicles linked to the incident. Deputies also interviewed 10 witnesses. Sheriff Davis warned of a heightened police presence in the coming days as authorities work to make arrests.
The gathering was originally planned as an 18th birthday party for a woman, with attendees including students from Central High School and Northeast High School. The sheriff described the incident as unusual due to the number of people shot in a single event. The FBI’s involvement suggests the case may involve broader investigative considerations, though authorities stated the evidence so far indicates a localized dispute.