Sacramento mourns 6 lives lost in gang-related mass shooting

SACRAMENTO, California－Six huge photographs wreathed in flowers and garlands lined a downtown street in California's capital city on Wednesday, each with a small memorial of bouquets, candles and cards on a stretch of sidewalk dedicated to the six people who were gunned down last weekend in a gang dispute that turned into a mass shooting.

Candlelight vigils, somber news conferences and private moments between friends and family members have been held this week as Sacramento's downtown community struggled to comprehend the tragedy.

The violence erupted early on Sunday when two groups of men connected to gangs began shooting as bars and clubs emptied out at closing time, police said. At least five gunmen sent dozens of rapid-fire gunshots into the streets and patrons fleeing in terror.

Six people were killed and 12 more injured from gunshot wounds. At least two people were still hospitalized on Wednesday.

Police said on Wednesday they identified at least five gunmen, but there may have been more. Only two suspects－both brothers wounded by gunfire－have been arrested in connection with the shooting and only face firearms charges so far.

Police also said at least two gangs were involved, but they declined to provide more details or name the gangs involved or the affiliation of any suspects.

Bloody feud

Experts said if gangs were to blame, it would mark an unusually bloody feud.

In his 20 years of researching gangs in Los Angeles, Alex Alonso said he cannot remember a gang-related shooting with such a high body count.

"It's extremely rare that a gang shooting happened as the way this one is being characterized," Alonso said. "It's extremely rare to have that happen in a public place with so many victims."

Bill Sanders, a criminologist at California State University, Los Angeles, said he wanted to see more evidence that the shooting was gang-related, a term police often use to drum up support. He said gang shootings are more mundane and most occur in what are considered gang neighborhoods.

"If you looked at a map of gang homicides in the city- or any city－over time, you'd see the same areas lighting up－meaning that's where they occur. If these guys were white, this wouldn't be considered gang-related－not even for a minute."

Authorities credited witnesses who contributed nearly 200 videos, photos and other tips with helping the investigation.

Agencies Via Xinhua