Tragedy struck in Hamblen County yesterday morning when an Airbnb gathering turned fatal. According to WVLT, the Hamblen County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting that resulted in the deaths of two teenagers, ages 18 and 16. Sheriff Chad Mullins described the incident as "senseless killings over juvenile drama that went too far and took precious lives."
The shooting occurred around 12:30 a.m. at a rented residence on Old Poplar Road, where a sizable gathering of 25-30 people, many from surrounding counties, had convened. In addition to the fatalities, two other juveniles were injured and are currently being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. WBIR reports that the party was attended by young adults and teens from various counties, including Sevier, Knox, McMinn, Putman and Hamblen, and that several attendees were armed at the event.
Details surrounding the circumstances that led to the violent outbreak are still unclear. However, the Sheriff's Office is actively pursuing leads to identify the shooter or shooters, amidst conflicting accounts of how many were involved. "Young innocent lives were taken for no reason," Mullins told WBIR, hinting at a disturbing sentiment that has left local communities reeling.
