Fresno MySpace Barn Party was Deadly | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Monday, May 25, 2009

Fresno, CA Just after 1-am Sunday morning, sheriff's deputies arrived at this abandoned property in Fresno County where a 21-year-old man from Selma had been shot and killed.

Officials say the shooting happened at a party organized through text messages and MySpace. "There was a DJ, there was 5 kegs of beer, there were several underage drinkers."

Chris Curtice with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office says, close to 300 people from all over the state were at the party. Some as young as 13-years old.

In March, our cameras caught the aftermath of a similar party in Central Fresno, where thousands of teens packed into an abandoned warehouse. And again, the party was organized through text messages and MySpace.

It's a trend officials say is becoming increasingly dangerous. "We had one where four people were shot at a MySpace party and one of whom died and another my space party, another person was shot and he is now confined to a wheelchair."

16-year-old Jasmine Cruz heard about Saturdays night's party on MySpace, but decided not to go.Her mom is grateful.

"What did you hear about that one? That there was going to be major alcohol and that there was gonna be a couple fights there that were going to happen."

"I don't know what the kids tell their parents, but I wish they would be more careful."

Law enforcement admits it's hard to control the spread of these parties, which is why they're urging more parents to get involved.

"It starts at home and I think parents need to be aware of what their 13 years old, 14 -year olds and 15 year olds are going. These parents didn't know where their kids were."

Investigators are not releasing the name of the victim. They interviewed about 100 people last night about the murder. But so far, they have no suspects.

If you have any information, you are asked to call the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.