BATTLE CREEK, MI (WTVB/WNWN) — Two people are dead and an investigation is underway following an overnight shooting in Battle Creek.
Police say the shooting was reported in the 100 block of West Rittenhouse Avenue, between South Washington and Meachem Avenues, just after midnight on Tuesday.
WOOD-TV reports that the gunfire went off at a birthday memorial to remember 23-year-old Elijah Williams who was shot and killed in Battle Creek last fall.
The Battle Creek Enquirer states that between 200 and 300 people attended the party and authorities say at least 100 were still around when the shooting occurred.
The shooting victims have since been identified as 30-year-old Leon Jackson and 23-year-old Diamond King.
During a press briefing Tuesday afternoon Detective Sergeant Joel Case explained that they believe there were two suspects that snuck up to the party from the alley near the home and opened fire, then two party goers from within the group returned fire.
He adds that poor lighting and the fact that fireworks were being shot off at the time made it difficult for witnesses to identify the shooters or understand what was going on.
At last reported, no one has been arrested and no further details have been released at this time.
Anyone with information in reference to the shooting is asked to call Silent Observer at 269-964-3888 or Calhoun County Dispatch at 269-781-0911.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been launched for King. It can be viewed at this link.
