The Oakwood resident who rented the Oakwood Clubhouse for a Sweet Sixteen Party Sunday night (5.27.18) where three juveniles were shot has filed an intimidation threat report with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).
Earle Farrell, public information officer for SCSO, confirmed to Lakeland Currents today (5.30.18) that the resident filed the report. According to neighbors, the resident believes posts on the Oakwood HOA Facebook page bullied and intimidated her. The venue at 10133 Matwood Oak Dr. was rented for the party. According to reports, uninvited people came to the party, and were turned away and began shooting.
The investigation continues, said Mr. Farrell, and there could be as many as four suspects. He said security videos and cell phone videos are being reviewed, but so far, there are no suspects. In addition to the white Chrysler 200 mentioned as one of the suspect’s cars, he said there may be a dark blue or black Chevrolet Malibu. There are no tag numbers, he said.
“We are looking at everything,” he said. When asked about reports that two juveniles were shot in a car in the Clubhouse parking lot but deputies found the wounded students inside the Clubhouse, he said he didn’t know. “There is no report yet.”
Mr. Farrell confirmed yesterday a fourth victim from the party was injured from falling while trying to get away from the shooting. He said that victim was taken by private vehicle to an area hospital. The other three students injured were transported to the Regional Medical Center.
Mayor Wyatt Bunker posted on social media yesterday, “The commissioners and I have been concerned about the children and victims after the incident this past weekend. We have reached out and are happy to report that they are all in good spirits, expected to have full recoveries and the last of them are expected to go home this week. Just wanted to pass along that information.”
Although there is suspicion the shootings were done at the hand of gang members and many party attendees were from Cordova and Germantown High Schools, Mr. Farrell could confirm neither.
Of the suspects, Mr. Farrell said, “Somebody knew these people. They didn’t just drive by this place. Someone at the party knows these people. “
Mr. Farrell said the SCSO looks at every possible aspect. “How did they find out about the party? How did they get there? This is all part of the investigation.”
According to neighbors, shell casings were seen in the Clubhouse parking lot where indentations remain in the asphalt. There is also a bullet hole in a Clubhouse window.
The Clubhouse guidelines say rental is for Oakwood homeowners personal use and not for outsiders such as friends or co-workers. Residents in the neighborhood have expressed concern that the resident may have rented the venue for friends, but not for personal use.
LC reached out to the Oakwood HOA president for comment as well as Jamie Mitchell with Confluents Strategies which manages the Association. The HOA president did not respond and Ms. Mitchell said because of the ongoing investigation, she could not comment. LC also reached out to the resident who rented the facility with no response.
