A young woman was killed and a man was hospitalized following a shootout at an unauthorized late-night event in San Antonio, officials said. The violence erupted at what was described as a "rave-type party" that Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar indicated was promoted through social media, according to KENS 5.
Deputies responded to the scene at an old Knights of Columbus hall around 4 a.m. Saturday, where they discovered a woman in her early 20s deceased and a 29-year-old man injured. The identity of the woman has yet to be released. Investigations are ongoing, but the authorities are met with limited cooperation as nearly 20 witnesses on the scene remained tight-lipped. "Just extremely frustrating that a little girl 21 years of age is now dead and nobody is able to give us enough information," Sheriff Salazar told KENS 5.
Witness accounts suggest the fatal shooting stemmed from a disagreement, while it is yet to be confirmed by officials. In a statement obtained by FOX San Antonio, "Detectives know these videos exist and just want those witnesses to come forward to provide information to not only law enforcement but to her family as well."
The sheriff expressed particular disgust at reports of individuals recording the victim as she lay dying. "It's pretty disturbing," he said. "We do have information from some of the witnesses that people sat there and videotaped this little girl as she was dying taking her last breath. That's about as cold-blooded and disturbing as you can get," Salazar said in a report by KENS 5. There were unconfirmed employees at the event such as bartenders and security, who police hope will provide additional information.
Authorities also noted that the building appeared to be illegally occupied, with unauthorized connections for water and electricity found. In the midst of processing the scene, one man was arrested on unrelated charges including drug possession and possessing a handgun. Salazar did not confirm whether the detainee was a suspect in the shooting. As the investigation persists, Sheriff Salazar emphasized that attendees are not necessarily facing charges for merely being at the party. He urged anyone with information or video of the incident to reach out at 210-335-6000 or via email at [email protected], as reiterated by both KENS 5 and FOX San Antonio.
