At 9:52 a.m. On Monday, April 20, a planned fight between two young people at Leinbach Park in Winston-Salem erupted into gunfire, leaving two dead and multiple others injured, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
The shooting occurred just outside Jefferson Middle School, prompting a secure hold at that campus and nearby Mount Tabor High School while law enforcement secured the scene. Police said multiple individuals began shooting at each other after the altercation escalated, with several victims and suspects identified as juveniles. While classes continued as normal at both schools, roads including Norman Road at Robinhood Road and Sally Kirk Road at Norman Road were closed to traffic as investigators worked to account for everyone involved.
Authorities emphasized the incident remains under active investigation and is not being treated as a random active shooter event, but rather as an escalation from a pre-arranged confrontation. The Winston-Salem Police Department said it will hold a news conference later in the day to provide further updates, urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Investigators work to identify all parties amid conflicting reports on suspect status
While WXII reported that several suspects and victims had been identified and located, WBTV noted early Monday that suspects remained outstanding, highlighting the fluid nature of the ongoing investigation. The SBI confirmed at least two fatalities but said the exact number of victims was still unknown due to the number of people involved and the complexity of sorting through ballistic evidence and witness accounts.
Police have not released names or ages of those involved, citing the ongoing nature of the case and the juvenile status of some participants. Although, they confirmed that efforts are ongoing to account for everyone present at the park during the shooting, with additional resources deployed to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras.
Schools implement safety protocols while maintaining normal operations
Despite the proximity of the shooting to Jefferson Middle School, officials confirmed that classes continued without disruption, with specific pickup routes adjusted for parents to avoid the closed roadways. Mount Tabor High School also remained on secure hold as a precaution, though no evacuation was ordered and students were not released early.
The decision to maintain schools open while implementing secure holds reflects a standard protocol designed to minimize panic while allowing law enforcement to operate without interference. Parents were directed to apply alternate routes such as Peace Haven to Millhaven to Tallison to Thornhill for Jefferson Middle, while Mount Tabor parents were advised to bring photo ID if choosing to pick up their children from the front entrance.
Community leaders call for youth intervention as gun violence patterns emerge
Local advocates have pointed to the recurring nature of conflicts escalating to gunfire in public spaces involving young people, noting that both this incident and the September 2025 event began as interpersonal disputes before turning violent. While police have not linked the two shootings directly, community organizers are urging increased investment in conflict mediation programs and after-school initiatives to address underlying tensions.
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools district said It’s reviewing its safety protocols in light of the incident but confirmed no changes to the school day were made beyond the temporary secure hold. Counselors were made available to students and staff at both schools, though attendance remained unaffected.
How many people were injured in the Leinbach Park shooting?
The exact number of injured individuals has not been released, as police said the investigation is ongoing and they are still working to account for everyone involved. Only two fatalities have been confirmed so far.
Were any suspects arrested in connection with the shooting?
As of the latest updates, police have not announced any arrests. While some suspects and victims have been identified and located, authorities said the investigation remains active and no arrests have been made public.
Why were schools placed on secure hold but not evacuated?
Officials implemented a secure hold — a protocol that locks doors and restricts movement while allowing classes to continue — as a precaution due to the proximity of the shooting to Jefferson Middle School and Mount Tabor High School. This allows law enforcement to secure the area without disrupting school operations or evacuating students unnecessarily.
Is there a connection between this shooting and the incident at Leinbach Park in September 2025?
Police have not officially linked the two incidents, though both occurred at the same location, involved juveniles, and began as disputes before escalating to gunfire. Authorities continue to investigate each event separately.
