Witness recounts deadly shooting at Smyrna teen’s birthday party

SMYRNA, Tenn. (WSMV) – One person is dead and another injured after a shooting at a 15th birthday party at Lara’s Event Center on Saturday night.

A witness said the quinceañera started as a normal celebration with everyone dancing and having fun until 11 p.m. when she heard what she first thought was a balloon pop.

“I didn’t realize until I saw like the little shots that looked like fire. Then that’s when I forgot, turning around and running, but then I just remember running down the hallway, then I went into the bathroom,” the witness said.

Smyrna police said a fight broke out before a teen suspect shot two people. One was taken by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment and the other died. Police did not provide additional information about the victims.

The witness said she saw both victims when she came around from the back of the venue.

“I saw one of them and I think he had a shot right here. I saw blood right here, and I saw blood right here and he was trying to breathe,” she said.

The 14-year-old witness said she was so shaken she doesn’t think she could return to the venue. She said she wasn’t able to sleep after the incident.

“I mean it still doesn’t feel real. It feels like I was just in a dream. When it happened it felt like it was just my soul, it felt like I left my body behind,” she said.

Police said the teen had a gun that was stolen from Nashville. He is facing multiple charges as police continue to investigate.

The Lara’s Event Center released the following statement (translated from Spanish):

“It is with deep regret that we inform you that last night, a tragic incident occurred during a private event held at our facility, in which a young man sadly lost his life.

As a business and as a community, we are devastated by what has happened. We express our deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends and loved ones. There are not enough words to ease such a great pain, and we join together in solidarity and respect for this irreparable loss.

The event occurred unexpectedly and outside of the operation, organization and protocols of our event hall. From the very beginning, we have fully cooperated with the relevant authorities, who are in charge of the investigation to clarify what happened.

Out of respect for the legal process and, above all, to the affected family, we will not issue any further comments until the authorities complete their work.

We appreciate the community’s understanding at this very difficult time and reiterate our commitment to safety, respect, and responsibility at each and every event held at our facility.”

World News U.S.A

Witness recounts deadly shooting at Smyrna teen’s birthday party

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