Heartbreak in Lenoir: Shawn Patrick Hood Killed in Catawba County Mass Shooting That Left 11 Injured

LENOIR, N.C. (June 1, 2025) — A wave of heartbreak and disbelief has engulfed the tight-knit community of Lenoir after the tragic loss of 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood, who was killed in a mass shooting during the early morning hours of Sunday, June 1, in the Mountain View area of neighboring Catawba County. The incident, which left eleven other people injured — one critically — has shaken the region and prompted an outpouring of support, sorrow, and calls for justice.

According to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, gunfire erupted shortly after 1 a.m. at what authorities described as a large outdoor gathering near a residence in the Mountain View area. Investigators believe multiple individuals opened fire, causing chaos and panic among the estimated 50 to 100 attendees.

Deputies arrived to a scene of devastation: multiple victims with gunshot wounds, some attempting to flee the area or seek shelter in nearby homes. Emergency medical personnel rushed the wounded to several area hospitals, while law enforcement began securing the scene and interviewing witnesses.

A Life Cut Short

Shawn Patrick Hood, a Lenoir resident and devoted father of three, was pronounced dead at the scene. Known for his warm demeanor, hard work, and deep ties to the community, Hood’s sudden and violent death has left family, friends, and neighbors struggling to make sense of the tragedy.

“This is not just a name or a statistic,” said family friend and longtime neighbor Amanda Halsey. “Shawn was a man who helped raise kids, volunteered at local events, and never met a stranger. He was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back.”

Originally from Caldwell County, Hood worked for over two decades as a mechanical technician and was also a passionate supporter of local youth sports. Friends recall him as someone who enjoyed spending time outdoors, working on cars, and hosting neighborhood cookouts that brought people together.

“He wasn’t the kind of person who looked for trouble,” said his brother, Michael Hood. “He was there that night to see some old friends and enjoy the weekend. We just don’t understand how this happened.”

A Community in Shock

In the wake of the shooting, grief counselors have been made available to local residents, and a candlelight vigil is being planned for later this week in Lenoir to honor Hood’s life. Community leaders, pastors, and advocates are also organizing forums to address rising concerns about gun violence in the region.

The eleven injured victims, whose names have not yet been publicly released, range in age from their late teens to mid-forties. One victim remains in critical condition at Catawba Valley Medical Center, while others are recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the shooting was targeted or random but have stated that they believe multiple firearms were used. As of Monday morning, no arrests had been made, though investigators are actively reviewing surveillance footage, speaking with witnesses, and processing forensic evidence.

Sheriff Don Brown held a press conference Sunday afternoon, expressing condolences to the Hood family and urging anyone with information to come forward.

“We are doing everything in our power to find those responsible for this heinous act,” Sheriff Brown said. “Shawn Hood should be alive today. His death is a reminder of how senseless violence can rip apart families and communities in an instant.”

Remembering Shawn

In the midst of the investigation, Hood’s loved ones are focused on preserving his memory and ensuring that his legacy of kindness and community spirit is not forgotten.

“He loved deeply — his family, his friends, and his hometown,” said his daughter, Megan Hood. “My dad always told us to live with purpose and to treat people right. That’s what he did every day, and that’s what we’re going to continue to do in his honor.”

Friends have created a memorial fund to support funeral expenses and assist with the needs of Hood’s family during this devastating time. The online fundraiser has already begun to attract donations from across the state, a testament to how many lives Hood touched over the years.

As the investigation unfolds, Lenoir and surrounding towns remain united in grief but also in a shared resolve to seek justice and healing.

“Shawn deserved so much more than this,” said Pastor Timmy Wallace, who officiated the Sunday prayer service held at a local church. “Now it’s up to us — as neighbors, as citizens, and as a community — to stand together against violence, to protect one another, and to carry his light forward.”

Anyone with information about the June 1 shooting is urged to contact the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 465-8340 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.