One man is jailed and more arrests are expected in connection with a "targeted attack" at a Cumberland County birthday party that killed two and wounded 12 others, officials said Monday.
Hundreds were in attendance at the party on Commerce Street in Fairfield Township, when gunfire broke out just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday, officials said during a news conference Monday.
Asia Hester, 25, and Kevin Elliott, 30, of Bridgeton, died at the scene.
"There are 12 other individuals whose lives have been changed forever," Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said during the news conference attended by the governor and attorney general.
Out of respect for their families and preservation of the investigation, she said their names are not being released at this time.
They are all Cumberland County residents ranging in age from 19 to 35.
Kevin Dawkins, 36, of Bridgeton, is jailed on weapons offenses, including possession of a weapon by a certain person, indicating he has a criminal history.
Dawkins has not been charged in the shooting at this time. He is in the Cumberland County jail pending a detention hearing.
Interviews are still being conducted, and more charges could come as a result, Webb-McRae said.
Anyone who attended the party and may have taken pictures or video or who may have noticed suspicious activity after the shooting is asked to come forward.
"We all have a role to play in restoring safety and security to our community," Webb-McRae said. "It starts with bringing those who are responsible for these senseless acts of violence to account for their actions."
A State Trooper nearby the home heard what he thought was fireworks or gunfire and responded, State Police Superintendent Colonel Pat Callahan.
Many had already left the scene when law enforcement responded.
"A number of firearms have been recovered from various locations," Callahan said.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
