Two teenagers were killed and five others injured in a mass shooting at Leinbach Park in Winston-Salem. Police say the incident began as a planned fight between juveniles.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina — April 2026
The Winston-Salem Police Department is actively investigating a mass shooting that occurred earlier today at Leinbach Park, which left two teenagers dead and several others injured.
Authorities say the incident began as a planned fight between juveniles that escalated into gunfire involving multiple individuals.
What Happened
At approximately 9:52 a.m., officers responded to reports of a fight in progress at the park. While en route, additional updates confirmed that shots had been fired and multiple people had been struck.
Preliminary findings indicate:
- The incident stemmed from a pre-arranged confrontation between juveniles
- The situation escalated into a gunfire exchange
- Multiple individuals attempted to flee the scene during the chaos
When officers arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds across different areas of the park.
Victims
Police confirmed a total of seven individuals were shot.
Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene:
- A 17-year-old male
- A 16-year-old male
Additional victims included:
- One 14-year-old female
- One 15-year-old female
- One 17-year-old female
- One 18-year-old male
- One 19-year-old female
Authorities stated that some of the injured individuals may have also been involved in the confrontation.
Police Response
Officers arrived to find individuals fleeing the area. The scene was immediately secured, and emergency medical personnel were deployed to assist victims.
Investigators are currently:
- Determining each person’s role in the incident
- Reviewing witness statements
- Collecting forensic evidence from the park and nearby areas
- Identifying all individuals involved
Investigation Status
Authorities emphasize that this remains an active and ongoing investigation.
Police are still working to confirm:
- The exact motive behind the confrontation
- How the firearms were obtained
- Whether additional suspects are involved
- The full sequence of events leading to the shooting
Officials are urging the public not to spread unverified information.
Community Impact
The shooting has deeply affected the Winston-Salem community, particularly due to the involvement of teenagers and the scale of injuries.
Support services and crisis resources are expected to be made available for affected families and students.
Conclusion
The Winston-Salem mass shooting at Leinbach Park has left two teenagers dead and several others injured, following what authorities describe as a planned confrontation that turned violent.
The investigation remains active as police work to establish full accountability and prevent further escalation of related incidents.