Party Confrontation Triggered PA Mass Shooting: Police

WHITE TOWNSHIP, PA — Pennsylvania State Police said Wednesday that they believe a confrontation at a party led to Sunday's shooting spree at an Indiana County community center that left a man dead and wounded eight others.

Police said several people were involved in the altercation that resulted in gunfire erupting at the Chevy Chase Community Center. Others uninvolved in the fight were inadvertently shot during the incident.

Police are still probing whether those involved in the confrontation had been invited to the party.

Killed in the shooting was Jamar Montae Porterfield Herriot Jr., 22, of Homestead, Allegheny County. An 18-year-old man from Chicago initially was reported in critical condition but is expected to survive.

Others shot included a man, 18, from Arcadia, FL; a man, 20, from Pittsburgh; a man, 19, from Braddock in Allegheny County; a man, 22, from Turtle Creek in Allegheny County; a woman, 19, from Pittsburgh; a woman, 23, whose hometown is unconfirmed and a woman, 19, from Chamberburg, Franklin County.

Those victims are either in stable condition or have been treated and released. For safety reasons, their names are being withheld.

Police also have not released the names of any suspects, although they have said more than one shooter was involved. They also have not identified the person or entity that rented the community center for the party, which attracted as many as 150 people.

The party was not officially affiliated with Indiana University of Pennsylvania, which is located about two miles from the center and was holding homecoming events over the weekend. Two IUP students were among the wounded, university officials have confirmed.

A combined reward of up to $15,000 has been offered by Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Anyone with information about the shooting or who left a cellphone or other belonging behind is asked to contact state police at 724-357-1960. Anonymous tips can be made online.