Mother charged in shooting at high school Halloween party that left one teenager dead and nine injured

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA/Gray News) – An Indiana mother faces charges in connection with a shooting at a Halloween party at her daughter’s school that left one person dead and nine others injured, according to authorities.

On October 10, police were called to the home of 42-year-old Joanna Eastes after multiple callers reported hearing gunshots and seeing people running in all directions.

An Indiana mother is accused of shooting at her daughter's school... — An Indiana mother is facing charges in connection with a shooting at a Halloween party at her daughter’s school that left one person dead and nine others injured, authorities say.(Source: Fort Wayne Police Department)

When police arrived, they found one person dead and several others shot.

Authorities identified the deceased as 17-year-old Willie Venzell Ivy III.

During the investigation, it was determined that Ivy was the first to fire shots, injuring nine people aged 14 to 20, WPTA announced.

Authorities said the party was for Easte’s daughter’s best friend. However, Easte’s daughter told police she didn’t know her best friend’s full name.

Eastes allegedly admitted that there were over 100 people at the party, most of whom were under the age of 21.

However, the mother and daughter told police they were allegedly in their rooms at the time of the shooting.

During the investigation, police learned that Eastes’ daughter had sent out a flyer listing their home as a party venue and advising attendees to bring alcohol and marijuana. WPTA announced.

Social media posts also showed minors dancing and drinking in the house before the shooting.

Crime scene photos showed alcohol throughout the house, including Eastes’ daughter’s bedroom.

Both Eastes and her daughter admitted that attendees drank alcohol at the party, but denied using drugs.

The 42-year-old mother was charged with neglecting a dependent, contributing to the crime of a minor and providing alcohol to a minor.

Detectives asked why Eastes didn’t call police to break up the party.

“What was I supposed to do,” Eastes allegedly asked in response.

Eastes is scheduled to be arraigned in the case on Wednesday.