Updated on April 20, 2026, at 5:27 p.m.
Two individuals were killed in a shooting in Leinbach Park in Winston-Salem Monday morning.
Just before 10 a.m., authorities received reports of a planned fight that escalated. According to the Winston-Salem Police Department, a 17-year-old male identified as Erubey Romero Medina, and a 16-year-old male, identified as Daniel Jimenez Millian, were pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds.
Five others suffered injuries — some critical, others minor. They range in age from 14 to 19.
At a news conference Monday afternoon, Police Chief William Penn began by offering his condolences.
"First, I need to acknowledge the fear and frustration that our community must be experiencing right now, and I want to let them know I share that same fear and frustration," he said. "Firearms are the number one killer of kids, one to 17 in our nation."
Penn said parents must emphasize that young people stay away from fights.
"These fights now lead to weapons and shootings and videos, and we don't come back from that," he said.
When the incident occurred, nearby Jefferson Middle School and Mt. Tabor High School were placed on secure hold, but classes eventually resumed.
In a statement, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Superintendent Don Phipps also called on the community to confront the issue of gun violence.
"It is a community responsibility that requires partnership, accountability, and action from all of us," Phipps said. "Let’s stand united to protect our children and ensure they have the safe, hopeful future they deserve."
The district has shared resources on its website for families to talk to their kids about grief and violence.