Mother charged in shooting at high school Halloween party that left one teen dead and nine injured

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (W.P.T.A/Gray News) – An Indiana mother is facing charges in connection with a shooting at her daughter’s high school Halloween party that authorities say left one dead and nine injured.

On October 10, police were called to a home owned by 42-year-old Joanna Eastes after multiple callers reported shots being fired and seeing people running in all directions.

When police arrived, they found one person dead and several others who had been shot.

Officials identified the deceased as 17-year-old Willie Venzell Ivy III.

During the investigation, it was determined that Ivy was the one who fired first, striking nine people who ranged in age from 14 to 20 years old. WPTA reported.

Authorities said the party was thrown for Easte’s daughter’s best friend. However, Easte’s daughter told police she did not know her best friend’s full name.

Eastes allegedly acknowledged that there were more than 100 people at the party, most of whom were under 21 years old.

However, the mother-daughter duo told police that they were in their room at the time of the shooting.

As police investigated, they learned that Eastes’ daughter had sent out a flyer listing their home as the location for the party and advising those who came to bring their alcohol and marijuana. WPTA reported.

Social media posts also showed minors dancing and drinking in the home prior to the shooting.

Photos from the crime scene showed alcohol throughout the house, including in Eastes’ daughter’s bedroom.

Both Eastes and her daughter acknowledged that attendees drank alcohol during the party, but denied any drug use.

The 42-year-old mother is charged with neglect of a dependent, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Detectives asked why Eastes didn’t call police to break up the party.

“What should I do?” Eastes allegedly asked in response.

Eastes will have an initial hearing in the case on Wednesday.