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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Newly released search warrants are shedding light on how investigators say gunmen planned a mass shooting at a pool party in Catawba County.
A man was killed and 11 others were injured in the shooting early on June 1.
According to the documents, Garon Killian, who has been charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder, used Snapchat to communicate with other suspects before and after the June 1 shooting.
Investigators interviewed a witness who said Killian and Toland Huff Jr., who is facing 11 counts of attempted first-degree murder, met with others at a home in Lenoir several days before the shooting. She claimed Killian said he planned to “air it out,” later clarifying that he planned to “shoot the place up.”
Discussions about the party continued May 30, when a witness said Killian and Huff met with friends at a Waffle House in Lenoir. The witness said Killian warned them “they better watch out” if Raekwon Craig threw the party.
The warrants state Killian reached out to a Catawba County deputy two days after the shooting and was interviewed by investigators. He denied that he was involved in the shooting, but said he had firsthand knowledge and knew the people responsible. Killian allegedly said he was with the gunmen when they fled to Charlotte after the attack and admitted to touching a handgun that was allegedly used in the shooting.
Investigators executed search warrants for two iPhones and Killian’s girlfriend’s house in Lincolnton, where he had been staying. They confiscated at least five cellphones, three tablets, two laptops, two magazines and a handgun.
Killian reportedly told investigators he did not attend the pool party. The warrants state at least two witnesses said they saw him in his car outside the home where the party was held.
Killian, Huff, Ke’andre Mack, Zachary Bates, Izaiah Mitchell and Charles Kincaid III have been charged with attempted first-degree murder. Three others have been charged in connection with the investigation.
The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office says a gang is responsible for planning and carrying out the shooting. Killian reportedly told investigators that he, Huff, Mack and Bates are part of an active criminal gang network.