Police officials stated that a gunman opened fire on patrons standing outside El Camaron Gigante Mariscos & Steakhouse in Glendale, Arizona, on May 4. Tragically, three people died in the crash itself. The incident unfolded during a crowded dance party hosted by the group “On a Sunday Afternoon,” which was promoted as a “family-friendly celebration” featuring “music, lowriders and good vibes all day long.” The sudden, chaotic scene sent the roughly 200 to 300 attendees into a panic.
At some point, the violence spread outside, as a dispute between two groups spilled into the parking lot before escalating into a broadside gun battle. Among the teens that died were Damien Anthony Sproule, 17, Christopher Juaquin Sproule, 21, and Milo Suniga, 21. According to local reports, the three were either brothers or very close friends, which only deepens the tragedy of this incident. Along with the dead, five additional people sustained injuries from gunfire and/or shrapnel. An armed 16-year-old boy is at University of Chicago Medical Center with critical injuries and requires surgery.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred at the end of the day’s Mardi Gras celebrations as partygoers just finished the second line parade. Witnesses painted a picture of the scene in the moments before violence broke out as colorful and celebratory. Even in these extraordinary times, things can still become deadly when tempers flare between people with a well-documented history of animosity. Glendale police spokesperson Jose Santiago said in a news conference that the incident seemed isolated and was the result of “bad blood” between some of the people in attendance.
In the wake of the shooting, first responders worked quickly to carry the wounded to area hospitals. One of the injured—a 16-year-old boy—suffered traumatic amputation of his leg, as well as life-threatening injuries and need an emergency trauma surgical intervention. Officials haven’t released the names of all those hurt. They went on to say that several of those hurt are in stable condition.
Community Reaction
Our hearts go out to the local community, as they process the shock and grief that accompanies this tragic loss. Roberta Villarreal, a family member of one of the victims, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “They were good kids. They didn’t deserve this.” The loss has hit hard in the close-knit community, inspiring a flood of condolences and support for the victims’ families.
El Camaron Gigante Mariscos & Steakhouse has had a police stakeout since opening their doors in May 2024. The other restaurant in Bradenton had received over 30 calls for service from law enforcement before this incident occurred. This history has caused alarm among area residents over safety at the nightclub, particularly when it hosts big events.
Broader Context of Gun Violence
The tragedy in Glendale, alas, fits into a grim season of mass shootings across America. This year has already witnessed at least 97 mass shootings across the country, each unimaginable in their own right. The Gun Violence Archive supplied this extremely concerning data. This situation underscores present threats to public safety and calls for stronger gun control measures as incidents of violence continue to climb.
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