According to JSO Lieutenant Katsacos, officers arrived at the scene around 3 a.m. to respond to the shooting. Initial investigations suggest that the gathering, which had attracted approximately 20 people, became the backdrop for a heated dispute between two groups inside the residence.

“The situation began with an argument that seemed to have subsided but then reignited in the backyard,” Lt. Katsacos explained. “This escalation led to gunfire, which started outdoors and continued inside the house, resulting in injuries to other attendees.”

Following the incident, multiple individuals were detained for questioning as authorities sought to piece together the sequence of events that unfolded at the chaotic scene. As the investigation continues, law enforcement is working to determine the circumstances that led to this outbreak of violence during what was intended to be a festive gathering.

“There was an initial argument that was somewhat subsided, but then started back up in the backyard of the residence,” Katsacos said. “The shooting started there and ultimately ends up inside the house that caused the other people to get shot.”

Those who were shot were two women in their early-20s who suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to the thigh and arm, two men in their early-20s who were both shot in the leg, and a 16-year-old shot who was shot once in the back, according to Katsacos. All were hospitalized in non-life-threatening condition.

JSO said the suspect, a young male, had already left the scene when officers arrived.

Multiple people were detained and interviewed at the scene, Katsacos said. He added that this was an isolated incident, and that there is no further danger to the community.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call JSO’s non-emergency number at 904-630-0500. To provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.