CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Multiple suspects have been arrested by federal, state, and local law enforcement in connection with the investigation into a mass shooting at a house party that left one dead and 11 others hurt.
Several people were taken into custody Thursday, and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office announced early Friday morning that the eighth suspect has been arrested.
The shooting happened on Walnut Acres Drive late Saturday night. Authorities said the violence erupted when multiple suspects opened fire at the party, which had drawn a large crowd. The gunmen found a wooded area elevated from the house to shoot down into. Some people at the party fired back, possibly saving lives. About 80 shots were fired, investigators said.
“There was nothing to do except go, get away from everything,” said someone at the party. “I mean, you don’t know exactly where it’s coming from or anything. I just ran inside and hid.”
On Thursday, federal and local authorities went to a home in Lenoir in Caldwell County, where Zoe Makenna Braswell was taken into custody.
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The search unfolded in the Cajah’s Mountain community along Wren Circle.
Family members said the arrest happened along Highway 321 in Granite Falls during a traffic stop, which was close to where Braswell lives.
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U.S. Marshals searched around the home for possible suspects linked to the mass shooting early Sunday morning.
Sheriff’s deputies confirmed that Braswell, 18, was taken into custody Thursday, accused of accessory after the fact of attempted first-degree murder.
Braswell is a recent high school graduate and went to the party that was on Walnut Acres Drive, south of Hickory.
Deputies removed her car from the property and spoke with her stepfather, who believes she possibly got involved with the wrong people.
“She’s basically a good kid who’s made some not-so-good choices,” said her stepfather, Joe Hatfield. “She got caught up with the people she is associated with.”
Party-goers were able to retrieve their vehicles on Thursday as investigators started breaking down the crime scene.
“I’m glad they’re getting the people that shot and stuff,” said one of the people who got caught up in the gunfire. “That’s what I’m glad about.”
The FBI spent four days collecting evidence.
Multiple suspects
Garon Killian has been charged with attempted first-degree murder. Judge Mark Killian, no relation to the suspect, issued a bond of $200,000, but that bond was later revoked.
Two months ago, he was charged in connection with another shooting in Hickory.
Another judge revoked the $200,000 bond because the suspect is a danger to society.
Zachary Michael Bates, 22, of Morganton, was arrested and has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, the sheriff said on Thursday.
Ke’andre O’neal Mack was taken into custody Thursday night. He has been charged with attempted first-degree murder.
Izaiah “Zae” Mitchell, 18, of Morganton, was arrested late Thursday night. He has also been charged with attempted first-degree murder for the house party shooting.
Mitchell was wanted for robbery with a dangerous weapon in a crime in Burke County.
Toland Huff Jr. has been charged with attempted first-degree murder. The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office said early Friday morning that he was taken into custody.
ALE Investigation
ALE’s investigation led to two suspects, including Raekwon Malik Craig and Patrick Lee Tolbert. They were both arrested and each faces three counts of aiding and abetting a person under 21 by allowing the possession of alcoholic beverages.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 828-464-3112 or upload video or photos here.
No additional details have been made available.
DRONE FOOTAGE: Scene of mass shooting on Walnut Acres Drive in Catawba County
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