Four people of interest identified in Texas after-prom shooting; victim count rises to 11
An investigation launched by Texas law enforcement has identified four people of interest in a weekend after after-prom party shooting that left 11 teenagers wounded.
Officials said the victims, aged 15 to 19, were hit by gunfire in the Sunday shooting at a home just north of Jasper, about 130 miles northeast of Houston.
Initially, the sheriff's office reported nine people were injured, but two additional victims in the shooting went to the hospital the following day Jasper County Sheriff Mitchel Newman said in a Tuesday press conference.
Three of the victims remained hospitalized, while eight were recovering at home, the Jasper County District Attorney's Office said.
Newman said his office is not releasing the names of the injured due to the ongoing investigation. Authorities also would not release the type of weapon used or say if there was more than one shooter involved.
Previously: 9 teens shot at after-prom house party in Texas, officials say
What happened in the after-prom shooting?
The gunfire broke just after midnight at an after-party attended by more than 250 people after the Jasper High School prom took place, officials said.
District Attorney Anne Pickle called the shooting a senseless and intolerant act of justice. Investigators from various agencies have been "working around the clock" to identify suspects in the case.
"What should have been a very special evening turned into a tragic event that will unfortunately be remembered for all the wrong reasons," she said.
In addition the four identified people of interest, officials said, detectives are continuing questions to establish additional suspects and motives.
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Motive still unclear
During a press briefing Tuesday, Newman said a motive remained unclear.
"I don't know if you can find a motive where you would go shoot 11 innocent children, but we're looking for it," Newman said at the briefing. "We will bring those responsible to justice... Our kids deserve to be safe and enjoy the best days of their school year."
He also said his department and the Texas Department of Public Safety have increased officer presence at schools within the county "out of an abundance of caution."
A second shooting investigation
Less than an hour after the after-prom shooting, a second shooting took place Sunday in Jasper County.
No one was injured in that 12:45 a.m. shooting that took place in Jasper city limits, officials said, but at least one vehicle and a home were struck by gunfire. That case is being handled by the Jasper Police Department.
On Tuesday, Newman said law enforcement is investigating whether the two shootings are connected.
Anyone with information about the case or video from the party is asked to contact the sheriff's office.
Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund