The Winston-Salem, North Carolina, community is grappling with profound grief and shock following a mass shooting at Leinbach Park on the morning of Monday, April 20, 2026. The violence claimed the lives of two young students—17-year-old Erubey Medina and 16-year-old Daniel Millian—and left five other teenagers injured.
Investigators with the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) believe the incident began as a “planned fight” between two groups of teenagers that rapidly escalated into a chaotic exchange of gunfire.
The Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred in broad daylight at the popular park located on Sally Kirk Road, a place typically reserved for recreation and family gatherings.
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The Scene: Shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Monday, WSPD officers responded to multiple reports of “shots fired” and a large crowd fleeing the park.
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The Victims: * Officers located Erubey Medina (17) in the parking lot area. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
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Daniel Millian (16) was found further inside the park grounds suffering from a gunshot wound. He also tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
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The Injured: Five additional victims, ranging in age from 14 to 19, were transported to local hospitals. Their injuries range from minor to critical.
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The Investigation: Police have recovered multiple firearms from the scene. WSPD Chief William Penn noted that the altercation appeared to have been coordinated on social media, emphasizing that “this was not a random act of violence,” but rather a targeted dispute that turned deadly.
Remembering Two Lives Lost
Erubey Medina, 17
Erubey is remembered as a teenager with a bright smile and a deep love for his family.
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A Student and Friend: Those who knew him describe Erubey as someone who was always surrounded by friends. He was known for his sense of humor and his loyalty to those he cared about.
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Hopes for the Future: At 17, Erubey was looking toward his final year of high school and exploring his interests in sports and music.
Daniel Millian, 16
Daniel was a young man described as having a “big heart” and a quiet, observant nature.
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A Family’s Pride: Daniel’s family is devastated by the loss of a son who they say was just beginning to find his way in the world.
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Impact on Peers: Friends describe Daniel as a reliable companion who often tried to mediate conflicts rather than start them, making the circumstances of his passing even more difficult for loved ones to process.
A Community Seeking Peace
The mass shooting has sent a wave of fear and sadness through local schools and neighborhoods.
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Grief Support: Local school districts have activated crisis response teams to support students and staff returning from the weekend who are now mourning their classmates.
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Call for Justice: Chief Penn has urged the community to help police identify all individuals involved. “We have grieving parents today,” he stated. “We need anyone who was at that park to come forward.”
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Vigils: Community leaders are organizing a prayer vigil at Leinbach Park to reclaim the space for peace and to honor the memories of Erubey and Daniel.
A Somber Reflection
The deaths of Erubey Medina and Daniel Millian are a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of youth violence. As two families prepare for funerals that no parent should have to plan, Winston-Salem stands together in a call for an end to the gunfire that robs the city of its future.
Rest in Peace, Erubey and Daniel. Your lives were precious, and your community will not forget you.
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