Two dead, 22 hurt in gunfire at party, say authorities

HOUSTON — Two people have been killed and at least 22 others hurt when gunfire rang out at a large house party in suburban Houston, sending partygoers fleeing in panic, authorities said.

The shots erupted late yesterday night (Nov 9) at the party where more than 100 mostly young adults had gathered at a home in the Cypress area of Houston’s suburbs, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said. A statement from that office said two suspects were being sought early today, but it did not elaborate.

The sheriff’s office issued a statement saying a man and a woman were dead and that those hurt had wounds or injuries ranging from minor to critical. None were identified.

A dispatcher with the sheriff’s office said she could not immediately release further information and the public information officer for the sheriff’s office did not immediately return messages seeking further details.

Mr Thomas Gilliland, a spokesman with the sheriff’s office, told the Houston Chronicle in its online edition early today that some of the wounded received shots to the foot, ankle and hip. He also told the paper that others fleeing the home had injuries such as twisted ankles.

“It was a pretty chaotic scene,” Mr Gilliland told the Houston Chronicle.

There was no immediate word on how many shots were fired or a possible motive. AP