A late-night party in unincorporated Morgan Hill exploded into chaos yesterday when gunfire tore through a crowd of more than 300 people, leaving one person dead and seven others wounded, according to deputies. As shots rang out, panicked partygoers bolted for the exits, jumping into cars and streaming into the street. Deputies raced in and began lifesaving aid before paramedics arrived, but one victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Scene and response
According to a press release from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched around 10:16 PM to Hale Avenue near Miramonte Avenue after reports of people in the street who appeared intoxicated and bottles being hurled at passing cars. When deputies pulled up, they found a chaotic exodus, with more than 300 attendees scrambling to clear out after several gunshots.
Multiple people had already been hit by gunfire when deputies arrived. The Morgan Hill Police Department, Gilroy Police Department, California Highway Patrol and San Jose Police all responded to help sort out the scene and locate victims. Investigators set up a relocation area so shaken attendees could reconnect with friends or family who had been at the party.
Investigation underway
The Sheriff's Office said homicide detectives believe the shooting was an isolated incident, and early information points to a handgun as the weapon used. Investigators described the gathering as an unsanctioned party promoted through social media, the kind of word-of-mouth event that can balloon quickly and get out of control.
Detectives said they are actively chasing leads to identify whoever pulled the trigger, or triggers, and warned that the investigation will be lengthy and complex. Officials said more details will be released as they are confirmed.
How to help
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Investigative Services Division at 408-808-4431 or the non-emergency line at 408-299-2311. Witnesses who may have photos or video from the party are urged to retain that material and to reach out to investigators with any potential evidence.
Local context
Early scanner traffic and dispatch logs indicated the disturbance may have started when intoxicated partygoers began throwing beer bottles, with the gunfire erupting soon after, according to reporting that cited radio communications. Hindustan Times covered those initial accounts.
Unpermitted parties that draw hundreds have become a recurring safety headache in parts of South County, where big crowds, tight spaces and rapid exits can turn any flashpoint into a full-blown emergency. Officials say those conditions make it harder to track victims and witnesses, and they are pressing anyone who knows what happened at Saturday's gathering to step forward.
