HAMBLEN COUNTY, Tenn. — Two teenagers are dead and two others injured following a shooting at an Airbnb in West Hamblen County early Sunday morning, according to authorities. The incident, which unfolded around 12:30 a.m. on Old Poplar Ridge Road, is currently under investigation.
Airbnb Party Turns Deadly: Teens Killed in West Hamblen County Shooting
A gathering at a rental property resulted in tragedy, leaving a community reeling and authorities searching for answers.
- The shooting occurred at an Airbnb rental in West Hamblen County, Tennessee.
- Two teenagers were killed, and two others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
- The Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office is investigating, with multiple individuals being questioned.
- The party, reportedly organized via Snapchat, drew attendees from several surrounding counties.
Hamblen County Sheriff Chad Mullins stated that “young innocent lives were taken for no reason” during what appeared to be a party. Investigators are working with agencies in multiple counties to locate individuals who fled the scene, having already interviewed over a dozen attendees. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, but authorities believe the incident stemmed from escalating tensions over the past few weeks.
Party Attendees Armed, Investigation Ongoing
According to the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office, several teens and young adults were armed at the party. The Airbnb was rented by a young adult, and the gathering attracted individuals from Sevier, Knox, McMinn, Putnam, and Hamblen counties. Detectives are pursuing several leads, complicated by conflicting accounts regarding the number of shooters involved.
The two injured teenagers are expected to recover from their non-life-threatening injuries. Sheriff Mullins’ team is actively working to identify and apprehend the suspect or suspects responsible for the shooting.
The meeting location for the party was reportedly shared on Snapchat, raising questions about social media’s role in facilitating such gatherings.
Authorities have indicated that multiple incidents in recent weeks may have contributed to the escalation that culminated in Sunday’s shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is confirmed.
