Mass Shooting at Wake County Party Leaves 1 Dead, 4 Injured; Safety Concerns Grow
ZEBULON, N.C. — What began as a massive off-campus party drew hundreds—possibly thousands—of attendees. By the end of the night, it turned into a deadly scene in Wake County, leaving one young man dead and raising urgent questions about safety at large, unsupervised gatherings.
Deadly Shooting Near Zebulon
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a mass shooting that occurred around 10:40 p.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Mack Todd Road and West Barbee Street.
Key details:
- One person killed: Lemonz Feikhm Williams, 21
- Four others injured, including a juvenile
- At least five victims total identified
Deputies said two men were found at the scene with serious gunshot wounds, while another victim was pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts.
Two additional victims later arrived at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Massive Party Drew Hundreds to Area
Investigators say the shooting happened during or near a large gathering known as the “Oil Spill” party, which was widely promoted on social media.
Witnesses described:
- Crowds of young people arriving throughout the evening
- A makeshift stage and large speaker systems
- Attendance possibly reaching hundreds or more
Neighbor Bertha Miles described the terrifying moment gunfire erupted:
“It was like ‘pow, pow, pow…’ Many shots. Then it came back the other way.”
Residents say large parties have been held in the area before, often with little oversight or security.
Connection to NCCU Clarified
While the event was advertised through unofficial North Carolina Central University (NCCU)-related social media accounts, the university made clear:
“This event was not an NCCU-sponsored or sanctioned event, and the university had no role in organizing it.”
Officials have not confirmed whether attendees were primarily students, but reports indicate the party was marketed toward college-aged crowds.
Ongoing Concerns About Off-Campus Parties
This incident is not isolated.
Recent similar events across the region have raised concerns, including:
- A 2025 off-campus party linked to NCCU Homecoming that ended in injuries
- Previous large gatherings involving underage drinking, traffic hazards, and emergency calls
- Another fatal shooting tied to a party at a separate venue last year
Authorities and residents continue to question:
- Who is responsible for organizing and securing these events?
- What measures can prevent future violence?
Investigation Ongoing, No Arrests Yet
As of now:
- No suspects are in custody
- The investigation remains active and ongoing
- Roads in the area were closed for several hours as deputies processed the scene
Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe issued a statement:
“Violence has no place in Wake County… we will work tirelessly to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
Conclusion
The death of Lemonz Feikhm Williams has left a community grieving and reignited concerns about the risks tied to large, unregulated gatherings. As investigators work to identify those responsible, the broader conversation is shifting toward accountability, prevention, and protecting young people from becoming the next victims.