Muncie overnight shooting kills one, wounds more than a dozen

Police in Muncie are investigating a shooting that killed one man and wounded more than a dozen people.

Just after 1:00 AM on Sunday morning, county dispatchers received calls about gunfire on the city’s east side.  Multiple law enforcement agencies – including officers from neighboring towns like Eaton- responded to a gathering at South Hackley and East Willard streets.

According to Muncie Police Department and IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, 19 people were sent to the hospital for treatment.  Some with critical injuries were sent to other hospitals.

The Delaware County coroner’s office says 30-year-old Joseph Bonner III was killed.

The Muncie Homecoming Festival was celebrating events this weekend to bring Muncie natives back home to celebrate the area.  Organizers say the party where the shooting happened was not an official event for Muncie Homecoming.

In a statement, Muncie Homecoming Festival says, “We are praying for the families of the young man who passed away as well as the families who have relatives who were injured and remain hospitalized.  This tragedy will not stop the hard work and dedication of those who endeavor to make Muncie a peaceful and loving community. Acts of violence will not be tolerated here and we are united and moving forward in a positive manner even in grief.”

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Police have not said if there were multiple shooters involved and have not released a motive for the shooting.

In a press release, the Muncie Police Department writes, “We are heartbroken to learn of this terrible incident, and our deepest condolences go to the families of the young man who was killed and everyone who was injured.”

No arrests have been announced, and Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Hoffman says it’s too soon to comment on possible charges if anyone is arrested.  But he did say there were “too many guns on the street” and commented on the gathering, writing in a statement, “I certainly question the wisdom of someone having a huge outdoor party with several hundred people, including juveniles, carrying on into the early morning hours.”

The Muncie Police Department is asking witnesses and others to contact the detective division with information at 765-747-4867.

This story has been updated.