MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two people are dead and seven others face injuries from gunshot wounds after a mass shooting at a block party Saturday, April 20, in Orange Mound, according to Memphis Police.
Memphis Police dispatch told ABC24 the shooting happened on the corner of Carnes Avenue and Grand Street, near Orange Mound Park shortly after 7 p.m.
Interim Memphis Police chief CJ Davis spoke to the media shortly after 10 p.m., saying MPD found five shooting victims at the scene. Two were pronounced dead on the scene, while three others were rushed to the hospital in critical condition, according to MPD.
On May 1, Memphis Police also confirmed they have 18 persons of interest, though no one has been arrested.
Memphis Police said the shooting happened at a block party held without a permit at Orange Mound Park, and as many as 300 people were in attendance.
On Sunday, most of the victims had been upgraded to stable condition, police said. One victim has been released from the hospital, according to MPD.
Originally, chief Davis said on Saturday night that there was a total of 16 victims related to this incident. MPD has since issued a correction, stating that the error likely occurred as several victims were reported multiple times.
Early Sunday they said that there were eight victims total. Then, by 6 p.m. Sunday night, MPD also stated that there was one additional victim.
Memphis Police said this victim was in non-critical condition as of press time.
Memphis Police are still searching for suspects and said at least two people fired shots. Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
Memphis Police confirmed Tuesday, April 23, that the suspects may face federal charges.
"We will work with our federal partners to pursue any applicable federal charges. This type of violence has no place on the streets of Memphis, and we will work vigorously deter such crimes," an MPD spokesperson said.
Mayor Paul Young released a statement regarding "the pain we are all feeling over this most recent act of senseless violence."
MSCS released a statement while "grappling with the loss of life due to violence" for the second time "in too few days."
Senator Raumesh Akbari released a statement describing "senseless and foolish acts of violence," and Tennessee representative Antonio Parkinson released a statement, calling for other lawmakers to make meaningful change.
Interim chief Davis also released a statement regarding the severity of the incident. In it, she states that resources will be deployed "from local, state and federal partners."
This is a developing story. ABC24 will update this article with more information as it becomes available.
Taking a look at Mid-South crime after Memphis' homicide record breaks
As crime proves to be a continued challenge for the city of Memphis, how to reduce the pain that it has caused communities remains on the minds of civilians, politicians and changemakers in the area.
Click here for a collection of organized facts and data surrounding crime in the Mid-South as well as a list of organizations that could use your help in reducing crime in the city of Memphis.
For example, those looking to get involved with and/or donate to the various groups working to reduce crime in the Memphis area can do so with links like these: