A 16-year-old boy was killed, and six others were wounded during a violent shooting at a house party in Woodland Hills early Sunday morning. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is currently investigating the incident, which occurred at 1:30 a.m. at a large home on Winnetka Avenue and Hatteras Street, where 200 to 300 people had gathered for a “VIP party” advertised on social media.
Details of the Incident
The hilltop mansion, known for being rented out for parties, became the scene of chaos when a heated argument escalated into gunfire.
- Erik Placencio, a partygoer, said the event was promoted by a group called “Rage Parties” on Instagram and through an app called Posh.
- Placencio, who attended the event with his brother, described the frightening moment when the shots rang out, causing people to jump fences, gates, and balconies to escape.
“Just screaming everywhere,” Placencio recalled. “There are people jumping gates, fences… a bunch of people went over the balcony even.”
Gunfire Erupts During an Argument
According to police, the gunfire started after an argument broke out, during which one individual was asked to leave. Moments later, the suspect opened fire.
Placencio tried to help the 16-year-old victim using his EMT training but was unable to save him. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
Injuries and Victims
- Five of the six injured victims were men aged between 19 and 34.
- All six survivors were taken to a hospital and are expected to recover.
- The name of the deceased teenager has not yet been released.
Investigation Underway
The LAPD is actively investigating the incident and believes the home’s surveillance cameras will be critical in identifying the shooter.
- Lt. Guy Golan stated that police will be gathering statements from partygoers and reviewing security footage:
“In the coming hours, we will be scouring for surveillance video and witnesses. Obviously, there were 200 to 300 individuals here.” - Police also plan to interview the hired security team present at the event.
Despite partygoers being patted down by security upon entering, someone managed to bring a firearm inside.
Community Impact and Witness Appeal
The tragedy has left the community in shock, with many attendees swearing off similar events. Placencio, who attended the party, said he plans to delete the app used to find the event:
“I just got it, but I’m deleting it now. I’m not ever going to these again.”
Police are urging anyone with information or footage of the incident to contact the LAPD immediately.
The Woodland Hills shooting highlights the dangers of large, loosely controlled events, as law enforcement works to piece together what happened and track down the shooter. For now, the community is left mourning the loss of a young life and hoping for justice.
