A 16-year-old boy tragically lost his life and five other men were wounded during a shooting at a house party in Woodland Hills. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, just before 1:30 a.m., at a hilltop mansion located in the 5900 block of Winnetka Avenue, according to ABC7. The Los Angeles Police Department revealed that a suspect involved in an altercation opened fire after being escorted from the basement. Fleeing the scene after the assault, the suspect is currently wanted by authorities.
Reports from CBS Los Angeles indicate the scale of the event, with an estimated 200 to 300 people in attendance at the mansion, which was rented out for the evening. The adolescent, whose identity has not been disclosed, was fatally struck and pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, the other victims, ranging in age from 19 to 34, were transported to a hospital, some grappling with critical injuries, though all are expected to survive.
The LAPD responded quickly to the chaos, but many partygoers had already left the area, complicating the investigation. "In the coming hours, we will be scouring for surveillance video, witnesses, obviously there were 200 to 300 individuals here," Lt. Guy Golan of the LAPD told CBS Los Angeles. Authorities are hopeful that the numerous cameras situated in and around the opulent home will provide footage to aid the ongoing investigation and the apprehension of the assailant.
According to KTLA, the property, marketed as a "New Construction-LA Mega Mansion" on Booking.com for a rate of $2,100 per night, has not been previously flagged as troubling. Describing the event as a "flyer party," Lt. Golan conveyed that, despite earlier, less serious incidents, "nothing like this" had occurred at the location. Law enforcement officers continued to process the crime scene as late as 8 a.m., hopeful that any witnesses or individuals with information would step forward to assist with the case.
The LAPD is urging anyone with information to reach out and provide statements that may help unravel the details behind the shooting.
