EDMOND, Okla. — An unpermitted gathering at Arcadia Lake on Sunday evening ended with a mass shooting that has, as of Thursday, resulted in the death of one teenager and wounds to at least 23 victims. One suspect is currently in custody, as police continue to investigate and to search for a second suspected shooter.
A flyer advertising a “Sunday Fun Day” at the Scissortail Campground on Sunday evening was widely circulated on social media, though no organization or individual had requested a permit for the gathering. The flyer advertised “good vibes, good people,” “food & drinks” and “music all night.” The event was scheduled to take place from 6:00 p.m until midnight.
Around 9:00 p.m., officers with the Edmond Police Department were called to a shooting at Spring Creek Park, located at Arcadia Lake. Witnesses reported that two men wearing ski masks had opened fire on the crowd. At least 23 wounded victims ages 16 to 30 were transported to local hospitals for treatment; ten were taken by ambulance, while others were able to drive themselves.
One victim was killed, 18-year-old Avianna Smith-Gray. A GoFundMe created Tuesday night by her family shared personal details about her.
“My sister was so talented,” the victim’s sister Andrea Smith-Gray wrote. “A very good athlete and she was so smart. Avianna was so full of life and loved spending time with her family, friends, her boyfriend & etc. She was 18-years-old. Just graduated and was waiting to walk that stage. I can go on an on about her but know she was loved by many.”
Edmond police announced Jaylan Davis turned himself in on Wednesday morning after police secured a warrant for his arrest Tuesday night. Multiple witnesses identified Davis as one of the shooters, police said.
Arrest documents say two women began fighting at the event, and during that fight, police say Davis began arguing with a member of a rival gang and began shooting.
“To be clear, Mr. Davis’s arrest is not the conclusion of the investigation,” Younger said. “It is merely the most recent development. Additional suspects remain at this time.”
Authorities said there is no present danger the community.
Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna said she will seek a first-degree murder charge against Davis.
“This case is a devastating reminder of the growing impact of gun violence among young people in our community,” said Behenna. “A young woman lost her life, countless families were forever changed, and an event that should have ended with everyone going home safely instead became a scene of tragedy.”
Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, whose district includes Arcadia Lake, issued a statement noting that residents should be careful about attending events advertised on social media by anonymous hosts.
“This is a terrifying situation at a place where families gather to make memories,” Stinson said. “I want to remind young people and families that just because an event is advertised in a certain way does not mean it is safe. You do not always know the people involved. It is important to be diligent about where you go and who you are surrounding yourself with.”
According to the Gun Violence Archive, the incident marked the 131st mass shooting in the U.S. so far this year. A mass shooting is defined as an incident in which four or more individuals are shot, not including the shooter.
Social media comments regarding the incident were often racially charged and filled with offensive language – even from users identified with a Black photo.
“Well you can tell by the flyer,” wrote one user, referencing the flyer that shows several Black people smoking. “I wouldn’t have been there. She got a dead nigga on her shirt tf.”
“Do no take faces from a flyer and turn them into accusations,” countered X account Gunnys Adventures. “That is how the internet manufactures a courtroom out of pixels, because apparently we needed another terrible hobby.”
