Willie Venzell Ivy III Obituary, Death; – A mother from Indiana faces charges related to a shooting that occurred at her daughter’s Halloween party at a high school, resulting in one fatality and nine injuries, as reported by authorities.
On October 10, law enforcement responded to a residence owned by 42-year-old Joanna Eastes after multiple reports indicated gunfire and individuals fleeing the scene. Upon arrival, officers discovered one deceased individual and several others suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim has been identified as 17-year-old Willie Venzell Ivy III.
Investigations revealed that Ivy was the initial shooter, injuring nine individuals aged between 14 and 20 years, according to WPTA. Authorities noted that the gathering was organized for the best friend of Eastes’ daughter; however, Eastes’ daughter informed police that she was unaware of her best friend’s full name.
Eastes reportedly admitted that over 100 guests attended the party, the majority of whom were under the age of 21. Despite this, both Eastes and her daughter claimed they were in their rooms during the incident.
As the investigation progressed, it was discovered that Eastes’ daughter had circulated a flyer indicating their home as the party venue and encouraged attendees to bring alcohol and marijuana, as reported by WPTA.
Social media activity prior to the shooting depicted minors engaging in dancing and drinking within the residence. Crime scene photographs revealed the presence of alcohol throughout the home, including in Eastes’ daughter’s bedroom.
Both Eastes and her daughter acknowledged that guests were consuming alcohol during the event but denied any involvement with drugs. Eastes faces charges of neglect of a dependent, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and providing alcohol to a minor. When detectives inquired why she did not contact the police to disperse the gathering, Eastes allegedly responded, “What was I supposed to do?” Eastes is scheduled for an initial hearing regarding the case on Wednesday.
