2 killed, 11 hurt in two Jacksonville Halloween shootings

Two people died and 11 others were injured in two separate Halloween party shootings in Jacksonville early Sunday morning.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office confirmed the incidents were unrelated. Officers responded to a shooting in the 6200 block of Arlington Expressway around 1:45 a.m. A 17-year-old girl was found at the scene and died from her injuries. Another person with a gunshot wound was transported to a hospital by Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department crews. A third individual drove themselves to a hospital for treatment. Investigators said all surviving victims from this first incident are expected to recover.

Detectives stated that a fight broke out while a crowd waited in line to enter the party. Gunfire followed the altercation. Three of the people shot were not part of the fight and were unintended targets. Authorities believe at least two young men wearing dark clothing were responsible. No further details about the suspects have been released.

A second shooting occurred shortly before 4 a.m. on West Fifth Street. A 20-year-old man was found at the home party and taken to a hospital, where he later died. Investigators learned that nine other people had driven themselves to hospitals with gunshot injuries. This brings the total number of victims in the second incident to 10. The injured victims are between 15 and 25 years old. One person has life-threatening injuries, and the other eight have non-life-threatening injuries.

Detectives said a fight at the Westside party led to two instances of gunfire. Authorities have not released suspect information for this second shooting. The names of the two deceased and the surviving victims have not been made public.

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said the department would work tirelessly to bring the criminals to justice. He noted that violence has no place in Jacksonville. Anyone with information about either shooting can contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. A reward of up to $5,000 is available for information leading to an arrest.