The number of mass shootings in the US this year has hit at least 117. But North Carolina has taken an unorthodox step to try and stop this never-ending trend after adults “stood by” and watched a teen fight escalate into a shootout. The authorities’ sheriff has now announced plans to press charges against those adults.
America is still reeling from one of the deadliest shootings in years, after a father killed eight people in a senseless spree in Louisiana. Reportedly, before the shooter was killed, he had also shot three others in the vicinity, including his wife. So with this — and the Charlie Kirk killing still in recent memory — and knowing there is very little authorities can do about Second Amendment rights, officials in North Carolina have opted to be more creative. These high-profile shootings have understandably brought increased scrutiny to how authorities respond to mass violence.
The details in the North Carolina case were different, however. Two teenage boys, identified as Erubey Romero Medina, 17, and Daniel Jimenez Millian, 16, had a scheduled fight at Leinbach Park in Winston-Salem on Monday morning, April 20. The reason for the fight is still under investigation, but what is clear is that there were multiple witnesses on site.
Winston-Salem police had already received a call about an ongoing fight in the area. While en route, they were updated that gunshots had been heard. Both Medina and Millian were found dead at the scene. Four girls and one boy, aged between 14 and 19, were also wounded by stray bullets from the gunfight. Police now say some of those injured may have also been involved in the confrontation.
According to The Guardian, Winston-Salem police chief William H. Penn said in a joint announcement, “We’re sending the message that if you stand by, encourage, aid or abet our juveniles in delinquent behavior, we will not tolerate it.” Penn added, “We will be charging those adults — although they are young adults, they’re adults.”
Mayor Allen Joines struck a more sorrowful tone, saying, “Moments such as this remind us of the responsibility we all share to look after one another, to listen to one another, and to work towards real solutions that will keep our young people safe and supported.”
Local community leaders who actively preach against violence were shaken by the shooting. Having spent years working to steer young people away from exactly this kind of escalation, Antonio Stevenson, founder and CEO of the youth mentor program My Brother’s Second Chance, said he now feels “helpless.” According to local NBC affiliate, Stevenson said, “They [local youth] don’t handle their frustrations well. I don’t see a problem with a disagreement. I don’t see a problem with a fight. I see a problem when you can’t take losing and you have to grab a pistol.”
Crucially, what authorities want to signal to the youth in the area is that whether you choose to take up arms yourself or simply stand by and cheer it on, it will now all come at a price.
Published: Apr 22, 2026 08:03 am