A planned fight at Leinbach Park in Winston-Salem turned into a mass shooting Monday, leaving two teens dead and five injured. Police say gunmen are at large.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A planned physical confrontation between a group of young people turned into a horrific mass shooting at a North Carolina park on Monday morning. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight near a local school, resulted in the deaths of two teenage boys and left five other individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
What Happened The violence erupted around 10:00 a.m. at Leinbach Park, a popular recreational spot in Winston-Salem. According to police officials, what was intended to be a “planned fight” among a group of adolescents and young adults quickly escalated when multiple individuals produced firearms. Witnesses reported hearing a rapid succession of gunfire as people scattered for cover across the open park grounds.
Police Response Winston-Salem police arrived at the scene shortly after the 911 calls were placed, finding a chaotic environment near the park’s entrance. Capt. Kevin Burns confirmed that officers discovered two victims who had already succumbed to their injuries. Due to the park’s proximity to Jefferson Middle School, the school was immediately placed on a “secure lockdown” protocol as a precaution while tactical units swept the area for potential threats.
Victim Information The two fatalities have been identified as a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy; however, their names have not yet been officially released pending family notification. Five additional victims, ranging in age from 14 to 19, were transported to local hospitals. Authorities confirmed that four of those injured are female. Their conditions range from minor to critical, with at least two individuals undergoing emergency surgery on Monday afternoon.
Suspect Information As of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the suspect status remains at large. Chief William Penn stated that while no one is currently in custody, investigators believe that some of the injured victims may have also been shooters during the altercation. Forensics teams have recovered multiple shell casings of different calibers, suggesting that several handguns were utilized during the shootout.
Community Reaction The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Winston-Salem community, particularly among parents of students at the nearby middle school. Residents have expressed a mix of anger and grief over the age of those involved. Chief Penn addressed the media with visible frustration, stating, “I’m frustrated, I’m angry, I’m sad,” emphasizing the devastating impact of youth gun violence.
Official Statement In a news conference held late Monday, Capt. Kevin Burns noted that this was not a random act of violence but a specific meeting that went “terribly wrong.” Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage from neighborhood homes and park cameras to identify all individuals who were present at the time of the dispute.
Closing Winston-Salem authorities are urging anyone with information, cellphone video, or social media leads regarding the “planned fight” to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Winston-Salem Police Department as they work to identify the gunmen still at large.