9 shot, 3 dead at large party in West Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police are investigating a mass shooting that took place in West Philadelphia.

Nine people were shot, and three of them are dead, authorities say.

It happened just after 2 a.m. Sunday on the 1200 block of North Alden Street.

According to authorities, the incident stemmed from a fight.

"I got a male down on Alden Street. Got one male shot in the leg, possibly the head," officers could be heard saying over police radio.

Police believe more than 100 people were gathered when shots rang out.

Action News was told the victims are 23, 29, and 33 years old.

Detectives are now looking for the suspects involved.

"It appears that there were multiple shooters, but it's unclear at this time how many. We have counted at least 25 to 30 spent shell casings at this time," said Inspector D.F. Pace with Philadelphia police.

"We're not sure if it was a block party or just simply a group of individuals that were invited from other parts of the city. It's not clear at this time," he added.

Police say all the surviving victims are in stable condition. Many sustained gunshot wounds to their arms and legs, according to police.

They did find a gun at the scene, but no suspects are in custody. Officers are also not sure what the motive was behind the shooting.

Residents in the area say the ongoing violence across the city is concerning.

"Very terrible. It's getting to the point where they don't want people to have block parties because sometimes other people come from other neighborhoods and interrupt the block party," said Marvin Robinson from West Philadelphia.

"The problem with the young generation, is they have nowhere to go. They have a lot on their hearts, minds, and souls and they are just taking it out on the wrong matter. Innocent people are getting at the hurt," noted Robinson.