UPDATE: Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said on Tuesday that they have identified 11 victims and four persons of interest in relation to a shooting at an “after-prom party” on Saturday.
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office initially reported nine victims were injured but later clarified that 11 people had been injured during the shooting.
Officials are continuing to investigate the shooting and will not be releasing any names at this time.
JASPER COUNTY, Texas (KETK) – Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said they found nine people shot shortly after midnight Saturday night at an “after-prom party” on County Road 263 north of Jasper.
According to authorities, the nine victims’ gunshot wounds were non-life-threatening. Officials said that most of the victims were transported to Jasper Memorial Hospital but some had to be taken to Christus St. Elizabeth in Beaumont for further treatment.
Jasper ISD Superintendent John Seybold said that the district is working with city, county and state officials to provide a heightened security presence at their school campuses this week.
Karli Cherry, a spokesperson for Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, told CNN that the victims’ ages range from 15 to 19 years old. According to officials, there were approximately 250 people at the party.
In a press conference livestreamed on KFDM’S Facebook, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said that a second shooting that happened on Sunday in Jasper on Valley Drive, off of Bevil Loop, may be connected to the shooting at the party. Officials said, the second shooting is being investigated by Jasper Police Department
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said they are continuing to question persons of interest and have not taken anyone into custody as of Sunday afternoon.
Superintendent Seybold released the following statement:
“JISD parents and community,
Early Sunday morning we were made aware of a shooting that occurred at an off-campus residence shortly after midnight. Several current and former students were injured.
We first want to say that we are praying for them and thankful for God’s hand in the situation. Several students present at the scene administered first aid and responded to the events in a courageous manner. JISD staff were at the ER most of the night to check on our students and will be there for their families in the days to come.
Jasper ISD has upgraded the safety of all schools this year by hardening our school security and hiring armed officers to be stationed on campuses daily. In light of this situation, we are working in conjunction with city, county, and state law enforcement agencies to provide a much greater presence this coming week at our campuses. We take the safety of our schools very seriously and will continue to be vigilant. We will continue to work with law enforcement in their investigation and they have assured us they are working to keep our schools safe.
Jasper ISD will provide counseling for any students who have been affected by this event. Counseling services will be provided for students on all campuses in Jasper ISD. In addition, Jasper High School students can report to the PLC Room for counseling services. We understand this will cause turmoil and confusion for our students and it is important that we provide help as soon as possible to our students whom this will affect emotionally. This was the main factor in determining that we will have school tomorrow. Also attached is a worksheet guiding parents on age-related reactions to tragedy.
For parents who may need counseling assistance, we have partnered with the Burke Center to provide services. Parents can contact the Jasper Burke Center office at (409) 384-6864.
We want to thank our community for all the prayers and love they have shown our kids and staff. We ask for continued prayers as we navigate this situation keeping our students’ safety and well-being at the front of our thoughts.
God Bless”
John Seybold
