VIENNA, Ga. — Two people are dead and 35 others were injured after gunfire erupted during a large neighborhood block party in Vienna early Sunday morning, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The shooting happened at approximately 1:25 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, while Dooly County Sheriff’s Office deputies were already patrolling the gathering on Pine Street. Investigators say shots were fired from the 900 block of Pine Street, prompting deputies to immediately respond.
Deputies discovered multiple people who had been shot. Two victims were found in the 600 block of Pine Street and were pronounced dead at the scene. Dooly County Coroner Brett Walls identified the deceased only as two men, ages 20 and 23. Their families have been notified, but their names have not yet been publicly released. Their bodies will be taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsies.
The GBI reports 35 people were injured, with victims transported to several hospitals across the region. Authorities have since clarified that not everyone included in that number suffered a gunshot wound. Some were reportedly injured by vehicles during the chaos. Two of the injured were reported in critical condition Sunday.
The gathering was reportedly part of Vienna’s homecoming weekend, with Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy saying more than 1,000 people were at the event.
As of Sunday afternoon, no arrests have been announced, and investigators have not publicly identified a suspect or released information about what may have led to the shooting. The Dooly County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the GBI, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Perry at 478-987-4545 or submit an anonymous tip through the GBI.
Hazlehurst Now is following this developing story and will provide updates as additional information is confirmed.
Sources: 41NBC News, WALB, WXGA
