JASPER, Texas — Jasper County deputies are looking for "persons of interest" after an overnight shooting left 11 teenagers injured and believe a second shooting could be related.
The first shooting took place at an after-prom party at a residence north of Jasper on County Road 263, according to a Jasper County Sheriff's Office release. The call regarding it came in shortly after midnight Sunday.
Deputies responded to a disturbance with shots fired at the home. While at first it was believed that nine teenagers were injured, officials later confirmed there were 11 teenage victims.
Eight of the victims were taken to Jasper Memorial Hospital by personal vehicles, and some were transferred to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont for further treatment, according to the release. All of their wounds were not life-threatening.
Deputies believe about 250 teenagers from Jasper and Kirbyville were at the party, officials told 12News.
Both the Jasper Independent School District and Kirbyville Independent School District held proms Saturday night. Sheriff Mitchel said the party was not affiliated with any district.
The second shooting happened in Jasper on Valley Drive, just off Bevil Loop, and went down Highway 190 toward Newton. Public Information Officer Karli Cherry told 12News that a white sedan seen at the after-prom party was involved in the second shooting.
Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Shana Clark told 12News they found two cars from the second shooting abandoned in Jasper County.
Those vehicles are being processed.
The shootings are currently under investigation. Deputies are looking for several "persons of interest," according to Jasper County Chief Deputy Scott Duncan.
Jasper Independent School District Superintendent John Seybold released a statement saying in part, "There will be a much larger law enforcement presence this week to ensure student safety, as well as counselors on hand for any students who need their assistance."
Seybold said the school district is working with law enforcement and that the district's prayers are with all those affected.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety will provide added security at school districts throughout Jasper County, according to the release.
“Please do not be alarmed if you see extra patrols on campuses, as we want to ensure that students and staff feel safe and provide assistance as needed," Chief Duncan said. "There is no direct threats to any campuses.”
Sheriff Newman is asking that anyone with information regarding the shooting to call the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 409- 384-5417.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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From a Jasper County Sheriff's Office release:
Shortly after midnight on Sunday, April 23, 2023, Jasper County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a disturbance on County Road 263 north of Jasper, Texas with shots fired. Upon arrival, nine victims were found to have non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. The incident erupted at an after-prom party that was being held at the residence on County Road 263, and it is presumed that approximately 250 persons were present at the party when the shooting took place. Eight victims were transported to Jasper Memorial Hospital in Jasper, Texas by personal vehicles and some were transferred to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas for further treatment. A secondary shooting occurred within the city limits of Jasper, Texas on Valley Drive, just off Bevil Loop. Jasper Police Department is investigating this incident, but there is a possible connection between the two shooting. No motive has been established at present however, several witnesses and persons of interest are being interviewed. Sheriff Mitchel Newman is asking that anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 409- 384-5417. Further information will be released when available.
Chief Deputy Scott Duncan advises that out of an abundance of caution, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety will provide added security at school districts throughout the county. “Please do not be alarmed if you see extra patrols on campuses, as we want to ensure that students and staff feel safe and provide assistance as needed. There is no direct threats to any campuses.” -Chief Duncan Currently, the investigation into the after-party shooting is ongoing and there are no new developments to provide. We will issue updates when they are available. We would like to thank Jasper County District Attorney, Anne Pickle, and her investigation team for their assistance with this investigation, as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety.
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Read the Jasper ISD superintendent's full statement...
"We first want to say our prayers are with those injured early Sunday morning in the shooting that took place north of town. Jasper ISD is working with law enforcement in any way we can to aide in their investigation to bring these perpetrators to justice. There will be a much larger law enforcement presence this week to ensure student safety, as well as counselors on hand for any students who need their assistance."
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