Shawn Patrick Hood Identified as Deceased Victim in Catawba County Mass Shooting That Left 11 Others Injured

CATAWBA COUNTY, NC — The quiet of a late spring night in the Mountain View community of Catawba County was shattered in the early hours of June 1, 2025, when gunfire erupted during a party at a residence on Walnut Acres Drive, leaving one man dead and 11 others injured. Authorities have now identified the deceased victim as 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood of Lenoir, North Carolina.

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), along with officers from the Hickory Police Department (HPD) and agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), are conducting a joint investigation into what is being described as a mass shooting—one of the most violent incidents in the county’s recent history.

The Shooting: Timeline of Events

Authorities first responded to the home just before midnight on May 31 to address a noise complaint. Deputies from CCSO arrived, addressed the issue, and left the scene. Less than two hours later, at approximately 12:45 a.m. on June 1, multiple 911 calls were made reporting shots fired at the same location.

When law enforcement returned, they discovered a gruesome scene. Twelve people had been shot, with victims sprawled across the property and neighboring yards. One victim, Shawn Patrick Hood, was pronounced dead at the scene, while another was transported in critical condition to a trauma center in Charlotte. Others were rushed to local hospitals, and as of the latest update, seven victims remain hospitalized.

Victims and Impact

The victims’ ages range from 16 to 57 years old, illustrating the wide demographic present at the party. Law enforcement confirmed that some individuals were shot, while others sustained injuries while attempting to flee the chaos. It’s believed that more than 80 shots were fired, and multiple firearms were used, underscoring the scale and violence of the attack.

Authorities have emphasized that the shooting does not appear to have been random. Instead, the attackers seemed to target individuals at the party, though the motive remains unclear. Officials said there is no indication that the earlier noise complaint was directly related to the shooting.

Ongoing Investigation

As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities have yet to publicly identify any suspects. The CCSO has confirmed that they have interviewed approximately 70 people and continue to seek additional witnesses. Investigators are meticulously processing a large and complex crime scene that spans the entire length of Walnut Acres Drive.

Sheriff Donald G. Brown II addressed the public in a press briefing, acknowledging the community’s shock and horror:

“This act of violence has deeply shaken our community. We are working around the clock with our partners in law enforcement to find those responsible and bring them to justice.”

The FBI joined the investigation on June 2 and is now offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information that leads to the identification, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible. Investigators have become aware of videos circulating on social media, and they are asking anyone with footage from the party or surrounding area to upload it through a secure portal at

🔗 www.fbi.gov/catawbacountyshooting

Community Reaction

The shooting has left residents in the Mountain View area stunned and grieving. Community leaders are calling for unity, vigilance, and support for the victims and their families. The death of Shawn Patrick Hood, a man described by those who knew him as a dedicated father and loyal friend, has added a heartbreaking layer of loss to a night already marked by violence.

Neighbors are expressing concern about the presence of high-powered firearms and the fact that such a violent incident could occur in what is typically a peaceful neighborhood. The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office continues to reassure the public that this was an isolated incident, and there is no current threat to the broader community.

What’s Next?

A press conference was scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, and authorities are expected to provide further updates in the coming days. Meanwhile, law enforcement urges anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.

How to Help

If you have information, photos, or videos related to the incident, please:

•Call the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 464-3112

•Submit media files to www.fbi.gov/catawbacountyshooting

As the community mourns the life lost and rallies around the survivors, authorities continue their determined search for justice. The story of Shawn Patrick Hood and the others affected by this senseless act of violence is now a solemn chapter in Catawba County history—one that law enforcement hopes to close with arrests and accountability.