Second suspect named in deadly Catawba County mass shooting; sheriff outraged over low bond for first arrest ...Middle East

(QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- Authorities have named a second suspect in connection with the mass shooting that left one person dead and 11 others injured at a house party in Catawba County.

On Wednesday, the sheriff expressed his anger, not just about the violence, but about how one of the suspects was out on the streets to begin with.

Officials announced they are now actively searching for Toland Huff Jr., who is expected to face charges including attempted first-degree murder.

Huff is not yet in custody, but authorities warn he is considered dangerous and has a serious criminal record, including felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and discharging a firearm into occupied property from a 2023 case.

Sheriff Don Brown openly criticized the court system for setting a $200,000 bond for the first suspect arrested, 20-year-old Garon Nathaniel Killian. Killian, who was charged Tuesday with attempted first-degree murder, was allowed to post bond despite a previous arrest for a separate shooting incident back in April.

“I believe he should’ve never been back on the street after Hickory Police charged him with those crimes,” Sheriff Brown said on Wednesday.

Multiple shooters, over 80 shots fired

The shooting happened early Sunday morning at a crowded house party on Walnut Acres Drive in the Mountain View area. Investigators said at least 80-100 people, many of them teenagers, were there when the gunfire began, much of it coming from an elevated hillside behind a neighbor’s home.

Officials believe multiple shooters were involved and that Killian was part of the group firing from the hill. The FBI is still on the scene, reconstructing the trajectory of bullets and interviewing witnesses. More than 70 interviews have been conducted.

“We expect additional charges,” Sheriff Brown said.

Authorities are still working to determine if Shawn Patrick Hood, 58, the man who was killed, was a target, or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. One of the 11 injured victims remains hospitalized.

Party organizers also charged

The NC Alcohol Law Enforcement Division (ALE) has filed charges against two men they say helped organize the party. Arrest warrants were issued for:

Both face three counts each of aiding and abetting a person under 21 in the possession of alcohol. Investigators said many of those at the party were underage, and they’re still looking into whether entry required payment.

Gang connections under review

While officials have not confirmed the shooting was gang-related, Sheriff Brown said some individuals involved are affiliated with known gangs.

Reward offered

As the manhunt for Toland Huff Jr. continues, the FBI is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the remaining suspect(s).

Residents and businesses are urged to check security footage from the evening of May 31 to June 1, especially around:

Anyone with photos, video, or tips can upload them to a secure FBI portal or contact the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 828-464-3112.

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