More than 300 people were leaving the unauthorized gathering when deputies arrived at the chaotic shooting scene near Morgan Hill.
MORGAN HILL, Calif. — One person was killed and six others were wounded when gunfire erupted Saturday night at a large party promoted on social media in an unincorporated area near Morgan Hill, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said.
The shooting happened at about 10:16 p.m. July 25 near Hale and Miramonte avenues. Deputies had been sent to the area after callers reported intoxicated people in the street and someone throwing bottles at passing vehicles. When deputies arrived, more than 300 partygoers were rushing away after several shots had been fired.
Deputies found several people suffering from gunshot wounds and provided emergency aid until paramedics arrived, the sheriff’s office said. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while others were taken to local hospitals. Authorities had not released the name, age or hometown of the person killed as of Monday.
The sheriff’s office reported six injured victims in its official July 26 statement. Some news reports listed seven people injured, but authorities had not publicly revised the official count or explained the difference. The conditions of the wounded people were not immediately released.
Homicide detectives believe the shooting was an isolated incident and said preliminary evidence indicated that a handgun was used. No arrests had been announced, and investigators had not disclosed a suspected motive or said how many people may have fired shots.
The gathering was not authorized and had been advertised through social media, authorities said. Officials did not identify an organizer or explain who owned the property where the party was held. Investigators were working to determine what happened before the gunfire began and whether a dispute at the gathering led to the shooting.
The Morgan Hill, Gilroy and San Jose police departments assisted the sheriff’s office at the scene, along with the California Highway Patrol. The agencies helped provide medical assistance, secure the area, direct traffic and support the homicide investigation.
Authorities established a separate relocation area for people arriving after the shooting to search for friends and relatives who had attended the party. The large crowd and the number of people leaving at once complicated efforts to secure the scene and identify witnesses.
Santa Clara County Sheriff Robert Jonsen called the violence unacceptable and expressed sympathy for the family of the person killed and those recovering from their injuries. He said investigators would continue working to identify and arrest whoever was responsible.
Detectives described the case as a lengthy and complex homicide investigation. They were reviewing available evidence and seeking photographs, cellphone recordings and other information from people who attended the party. No suspect description had been released as of Monday.
Author note: Last updated July 27, 2026.