Two killed in separate shootings at Jacksonville Halloween parties

Two people were killed and at least 11 others were injured in separate shootings at Halloween parties early Sunday morning, according to investigators.

The shootings happened just over two hours apart on Arlington Expressway and in Durkeeville. Investigators with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office have not identified the shooters in either case.

The first shooting happened around 1:42 a.m. in the 6200 block of Arlington Expressway.

Police said a dispute broke out between people waiting in line to get into a Halloween party before gunfire erupted.

A 17-year-old girl was killed, and two other people were shot and taken to the hospital.

“It appears that all three of the victims that were shot were unintended targets and not involved in the dispute,” said Jacob Vorpahl, commander of JSO’s Major Case Section.

He said there were at least two shooters, reportedly wearing dark clothing.

The second shooting happened around 3:50 a.m. near Wilcox and Fifth streets in Durkeeville.

There, police said a Halloween house party spilled into the streets, drawing roughly 200 people.

Police said an initial round of gunfire was quickly followed by another, leaving multiple people wounded.

“There was an initial round of gunfire at the party somewhere on the street in the area and then very rapidly afterwards there was another volley of gunfire, which we believe is where the majority of the people were shot,” Vorpahl said.

A 29-year-old man died after driving himself to the hospital, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

A 15-year-old girl was among those injured. Another victim remained in life-threatening condition, and eight other victims were reported to be in stable condition.

“This one is going to be very dependent on people who are at the scene being willing to cooperate and give us information about what they saw and heard,” Vorpahl said. He said cellphone video and firsthand witness accounts would be vital to the investigation.

Investigators warned that large, unregulated gatherings can quickly become dangerous.

“Just showing up to a block party there’s a little bit of a risk there that somebody could have violent intentions and harm someone,” Vorpahl said.

Police asked anyone with information or videos to contact investigators.

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