Winston-Salem Police Chief William H. Penn Jr. Stated that investigators are actively seeking additional footage and witnesses in the Leinbach Park mass shooting that occurred on Monday, April 20, 2026.
The shooting, which took place at Leinbach Park on Sally Kirk Road, resulted in the deaths of two teenagers — a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old — and left five others injured, ranging in age from 14 to 19.
Chief Penn emphasized that whereas no additional suspects are currently being sought in connection with the shooting itself, authorities plan to charge adults who were present during the altercation that preceded the gunfire but did not intervene.
“Although they’re young adults, they’re adults,” Penn said in a statement reported by WRAL. “We’re sending a message that if you stand by, encourage, aid, or abet our juveniles into delinquent behavior, we will not tolerate it in our community.”
The police chief confirmed that investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and conducting interviews to piece together the events leading up to the violence. He noted the complexity of the scene, citing multiple moving parts and the challenges posed by the age group involved and the broader social context.
Chief Penn, who has nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, said he has encountered complicated crime scenes before but acknowledged that this case presents unique difficulties due to the number of variables involved.
He urged anyone with video of the incident or information about what transpired to reach forward, stressing that public cooperation is essential to a thorough investigation.
The Winston-Salem Police Department continues to process evidence and interview witnesses as part of its ongoing effort to determine exactly what happened and ensure accountability.