3 Shot at Baby Shower in Family Argument Over Gifts

A Pennsylvania baby shower ended in horror when a family argument over gifts descended into violence, resulting in three people being shot.

Lower Burrell Police Department (LBPD) officers raced to the Kinlock Fire Department at 6:07 p.m. on Saturday following reports of an active shooter inside the fire hall.

When police arrived at 6:11 p.m. they found the suspected shooter was leaving the fire hall and was later taken into custody "without incident."

Officers also found three people, a 23-year-old man, a woman aged 19 and a 16-year-old boy who had suffered gunshot wounds.

The victims were later taken to a nearby hospital where they were treated for their injuries. Their conditions are not known at this time.

Police later confirmed the incident was not an active shooting, but rather had been a result of a family argument that spiraled out of control.

A statement shared on Facebook, early on Sunday morning, read: "The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

"However, this was not an active shooter situation but rather an isolated family incident during a baby shower.

"Preliminary investigation shows a family argument began that turned physical then the suspect introduced a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, firing off rounds which resulted in a 23-year-old male, a 19-year-old female, and a 16-year-old male sustaining gunshot wounds."

The statement added: "All victims were transported to area hospitals and their injuries are unknown at this time."

LBPD Chief John Marhefka told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "We are anticipating charges as soon as we consult with the district attorney's office."

The outlet added chief Marhefka said a preliminary investigation found the argument broke out over gifts and also described the shooting as an "isolated family incident during a baby shower."

KDKA reported that at least 25 people were at the baby shower at the time of the shooting. The LBPD investigation into the shooting continues.

Newsweek has contacted the LBPD for comment.

The shooting comes after a pregnant woman was killed after she attended her own baby shower, earlier this month.

Shanice Young, 31, had been attempting to break up a fight between her current partner and ex-boyfriend outside her building in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, which resulted in her being shot in the face.

"Upon arrival police observed in front of 300 West 128 Street a 31-year-old female with a gunshot wound to the head, unconscious and unresponsive," the NYPD said in a statement to Newsweek.

"EMS transported the female to NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, where she was pronounced deceased. There are no arrests at this time. The investigation is ongoing."

Police car lights
Stock image of police car lights. Police have launched an investigation into the shooting.

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