On Sunday, October 8, 2023, a party at the Chevy Chase Community Center in White Township, Pennsylvania, turned deadly as gunshots disrupted the festivities, leaving one person dead and eight injured.
Officers reportedly arrived at the community center in response to a noise complaint just moments before the shooting began around 12:35 a.m. Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens stated that “dozens of gunshots” echoed in the building. Further investigations suggest that there might have been more than one shooter involved in the incident, though no specific number has been confirmed.
Witness accounts depicted a scene of panic as attendees scrambled to safety. Many escaped through windows, while others dashed through porch railings to avoid the barrage of bullets. An eyewitness shared images of debris and personal items, such as shoes and cell phones, left scattered in the aftermath of the chaos. The community center was also littered with several firearms and shell casings.
A resident living adjacent to the center, described the terrifying moments. “Then all of a sudden, I heard about 20 gunshots,” he said. “There were people lying on the edge of the sidewalk out there.”
The Indiana County coroner’s office identified the victim as Jamar M. Porterfield Herriot Jr., 22, of Homestead. The injured, five men and three women aged 18 to 23, were rushed to various hospitals throughout the state. As of now, no suspects have been apprehended.
In an effort to assist the investigation and appeal to the public, Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers has announced a $10,000 reward for any information that could lead to arrests and prosecution. Additionally, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has pledged up to $5,000 more for valuable information.