WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A 17-year-old has been charged as an adult in connection with the deadly Leinbach Park shooting that left two teenagers dead and five others injured earlier this week, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department.
Steven Villanueva, 17, faces one count of felony inciting to riot. He is the second person arrested in the April 20 shooting, which began as a pre-planned fight between groups of young people and escalated into gunfire at the Winston-Salem park located on Sally Kirk Road.
Details of the Leinbach Park Shooting
The shooting happened just before 10 a.m. on Monday, April 20, less than a mile from Mt. Tabor High School and Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Schools were placed on secure hold as a precaution but continued normal operations, as there was no ongoing threat to students or staff.
Those killed were:
- Daniel Jimenez Millian, 16, a student in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, found dead inside the park.
- Erubey Romero Medina, 17, found dead in the parking lot.
Five others suffered gunshot wounds, including four teenage girls ages 14, 15, 17, and 19, plus one of the suspects. Their conditions were later reported as stable.
Steven Villanueva Charged in Leinbach Park Shooting
According to court documents and police statements, Villanueva and other juveniles knew about the pre-planned fight at Leinbach Park. Authorities allege they participated in the riot by causing a public disturbance and acting violently, leading to the deadly outcome.
Villanueva was arrested Thursday night after consultation with Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill. He was charged as an adult and transported to the Alexander Juvenile Detention Center.
A judge is scheduled to set his bond Friday morning.
First Suspect: 18-Year-Old Charged with Felony Child Abuse and Riot
Earlier this week, 18-year-old Joel Michael Gamble-Toliver was charged with felony child abuse and felony riot.
Police say he went to the park knowing a fight was planned, engaged in a physical altercation with a juvenile male, and fired a gun during the incident. He was also one of the people shot and injured.
Gamble-Toliver appeared virtually in court on April 23, where his bond was set at $25,000 on the riot charge. He also had unrelated outstanding warrants served.
1 thought on “17-Year-Old Charged as Adult with Felony Inciting to Riot in Deadly Leinbach Park Shooting, Winston-Salem Police Say”
Charged with “riot” ???
How about murder.