A shooting broke out at a large house party in National City late Friday night, killing one 12-year-old boy and injuring four other people, according to National City police.
National City police officers responded to reports of gunshots at 945 N Ave. around 11:49 p.m.
Officers arrived at the scene to find a vacant house that was being used for a large party of more than 100 people, mostly teenagers and young adults, according to NCPD Capt. Derek Aydelotte. Officers soon requested more help due to the number of injured, the amount of partygoers and reports that shooting suspects were still on the scene, police said.
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The suspect(s) fled the scene before police arrived, according to NCPD. At this time, no one is in custody and there is no suspect description, police said.
Elijah Smith, a 12-year-old boy, died at the scene, NCPD confirmed to NBC 7 on Sunday.
Four male victims, ages 14, 15, 17, and 18, were all taken to a hospital. Police on Monday did not provide details on their conditions but said that some have been released from the hospital.
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The Lemon Grove School District on Monday confirmed the boy was a 7th grader at Lemon Grove Academy Middle School.
"Elijah was a cherished part of our LGSD family and his passing is an unimaginable loss. Our thoughts and
prayers are with Elijah’s family, friends, and loved ones during this profoundly painful time," Superintendent Marianna Vinson wrote in a letter to students and parents that provided resources.
Partygoers who wished to remain anonymous told NBC 7 that they saw the party advertised on Instagram.
Witnesses also told NBC 7 they heard gunshots but thought they were part of the loud music playing at the party.
NBC 7 spoke with neighbors on Saturday about the shooting (watch in the video below).
"First we saw the party and we were going to call the cops because there was a lot of noise and a bunch of kids were like with phone flashlights and then we heard a bunch of yelling," said neighbor Lara Cano. "Then they turned down the music and were yelling each others names," she said.
"I heard, I think it was five gunshots, and then the kids started running everywhere. That way – that way, and that’s when they knocked down the fence and then maybe like five kids jumped over this fence and then that’s when we heard the police coming," Cano said.
NBC 7 spoke with the victim's family who said the 12-year-old had a big heart and loved to make people laugh. They said they don't know how he ended up at that party. His mom says he snuck out while she was away.
"He’s an important – he’s an important part of our community. My family. He’s loved by so many," said Oakley Smith, Elijah's sister.
The vacant property owner is listed as Big Hill OZ LLC. The law firm representing the owner on Tuesday shared the following statement with NBC 7 on behalf of the owner:
“We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the victims and their families, who have been impacted by this senseless act of violence.
"We acquired the property with the intent of redeveloping the two structures that were no longer habitable. Prior to this tragedy we have been diligently processing a demolition permit with the City to remove the buildings and clear brush.
"The property has not been abandoned. Our demolition permit application is currently pending and while we await a decision we took multiple actions to secure the property and discourage trespassers from entering. This included boarding up the property, posting signs forbidding trespassing and cutting off water and electricity.
"We have also coordinated multiple police actions to prevent transient activity on the property. Lastly, representatives of ownership visited the property regularly. We are fully cooperating with the authorities and hope that the perpetrators of this illegal activity on our property will be brought to justice."
Detectives are still investigating this incident. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the NCPD nonemergency number at 619-336-4411 and ask to speak to a detective. Anonymous phone calls can be made by contacting Crime Stoppers at 619-531-1500 or www.sdcrimestoppers.org.
Personnel from San Diego Police Department, Chula Vista Police Department, San Diego County Sheriff's Department and Harbor Police all responded to the crime scene.
