"Sweet Sixteen" shooting in Riviera Beach recalled by party goers

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Posted: 09/02/2012

By: Katie Johnson

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. -

Ebony Branch said there were more than one hundred people in attendance at a "Sweet Sixteen" celebration Saturday night in Riviera Beach.

The party was held at Newcomb Hall, located at the Riviera Beach Marina.

Branch said the teens at the party were having a good time and were dancing to music, when a fight broke out at the party. She said gunfire quickly followed. "Everybody just got down on the ground, " Branch said.

Riviera Beach Police said at least eight people were shot. Two of the eight people died. Detectives said they were both teenage boys.

Those at the party said they were shocked something like this would happen at a celebration for a teenage girl. "I know that young girl, whose party that was, she is never going to forget that," Branch said.

Party goers said the shooters appeared to be teenagers as well. Branch said she feels lucky to be alive, because "anyone could've caught a stray bullet."

If you know who is behind the crime, you're asked to call the Riviera Beach Police Department at (561)845-4123 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.