A late-night gathering in Fort Worth turned deadly in the early hours of Sunday morning when a physical altercation escalated into a shooting that left two men dead and two others hospitalized.
Fort Worth Police Department officers responded to the 4300 block of Martin Street at approximately 3:32 a.m. after receiving reports of gunfire in the area. When they arrived they discovered the shooting had taken place during a large backyard party at a nearby residence.
Investigators determined that the violence began when a man and a woman who were acquainted got into a physical dispute. A bystander at the gathering stepped in to break up the confrontation but his attempt to intervene drew in two additional men who became involved in the altercation.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control when the men involved produced firearms and opened fire. A total of four people were struck by gunshots during the exchange.
Two men were pronounced dead at the scene. One of the victims was the man who had attempted to stop the original fight between the man and woman. The identities of the deceased have not yet been publicly released.
Two other men including the suspected shooter were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds. Their current conditions have not been confirmed by authorities.
Fort Worth Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. Those with information can contact the Fort Worth Police Department directly at 817-392-4222. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS which is 817-469-8477.