Three people were shot dead as gunfire erupted Sunday night outside a concert and car show at an Arizona restaurant. Two of the deceased people were brothers.
The shooting occurred outside of the El Camaron Gigante Mariscos & Steakhouse in Glendale when a brawl escalated, according to a police statement.
“At around 745pm a fight broke out near the stage area among several individuals,” Glendale Police Department spokesperson Jose Santiago wrote in an email to reporters on May 5. “Those individuals were told to exit the venue. Once they exited the venue the fight escalated in the parking lot and that’s when these individuals began shooting at one another.”
Glendale is about 20 minutes from Phoenix.
The police department identified the dead as brothers Damien Anthony Sproule, 17, and Christopher Juaquin Sproule, 21, as well as Milo Christopher Suniga, also 21. Five others were wounded, among them was a 16-year-old boy.
Although he was critically injured and required surgery overnight, the minor is expected to survive, Santiago said.
“We know we are dealing with multiple shooters, and our detectives are trying to narrow down the scope of how many shooters we are dealing with,” Santiago added. “They are currently gathering shell casings in the area to determine how many different types of weapons were used, and that will help us narrow down the potential of how many shooters there may be.”
The other wounded parties ranged in age from 20 to 23, including two women and three men.
In the moments leading up to the shooting, police said some 200 to 300 people were at or near the venue.
“We believe this to be an isolated incident that involved individuals that were known to one another,” Santiago said. “This is why we do not believe there to be a threat to the public.”
A bystander named Lupe Rodriguez said he ran for cover after hearing gunshots. He was shaken, but expressed gratitude that he and his friends survived.
“There was a man on the ground, and it didn’t look like he made it,” he said. “His father was yelling out his name.”
Because the eatery is just one block from the Glendale Police Department’s main station, officers were on the scene within minutes.
There have been no arrests, Santiago said, but multiple people were questioned.
“We extend our deepest condolences to those who lost someone dear and to all who are grieving in the wake of this heartbreaking incident. In times of sorrow, may the strength of community and the support of one another bring comfort and healing. Our thoughts remain with everyone impacted by this tragedy.”
