One Dead, 15 Injured After Gunfire Erupts at Houston Family Sweet Sixteen Birthday Party (video)

1 killed, 14 wounded after Houston family party turns into raging gun battle

A late-night sweet sixteen birthday party and family gathering in southeast Houston turned deadly early Sunday morning when an uninvited guest opened fire after being asked to leave, leaving one person dead and 15 others injured in a chaotic shootout involving multiple partygoers.

The incident began around 12:50 a.m. when the unidentified individual, who was not invited to the party, was told to leave. According to the Houston Police Department, the individual returned fire after being confronted, triggering a shootout with others at the event. Witnesses said approximately 100 people were present when the violence broke out.

An uninvited guest opened fired after being kicked out, according to police.

Assistant Chief Patricia Cantu reported that when officers arrived at the scene, they found victims with gunshot wounds scattered throughout the property. The exchange of gunfire was still active as police entered, adding to the confusion and urgency of the situation. Some of the wounded were taken to hospitals in critical condition, while others transported themselves to nearby medical facilities.

Christian Sanchez, a partygoer, recounted the tragic death of one of his friends, who was shot during the melee. “We were just there, fights broke out, and then they started shooting,” Sanchez said. “Unfortunately, one of our friends got shot. We had to pick him up and put him in the back of my truck. He bled out in the back of my car and passed away.”

The investigation continued Sunday morning.

Sanchez said the victim’s last words were a plea: “not to let him go.” He and others held the man’s hand as he passed out and died in the vehicle.

Visual evidence from the aftermath revealed a disordered scene, with overturned tables and chairs beneath a carport and party tent, marking the sudden eruption of violence that shattered the family event.

Multiple individuals were detained for questioning, but as of Sunday afternoon, police had not confirmed whether the suspected shooter was among them. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced any arrests or released the identity of the deceased victim.