Early Sunday, February 9, a 16-year-old was killed, and six others were injured when a suspect opened fire after an altercation at a mansion party in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California. The incident sparked an intensive manhunt.
The upscale residence located in the 5900 block of Winnetka Avenue was hosting a party attended by an estimated 200 to 300 people. The mansion, known as a “New Construction-LA Mega Mansion,” is listed on Booking.com and fetches a nightly rate of $2,100. The mansion is situated at the end of a winding hillside driveway between Hatteras and Oxnard streets.
Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) stated that the incident started in the mansion’s basement. “The suspect was somewhere in the basement of the home when an altercation occurred,” said LAPD Lieutenant Guy Golan. “A bouncer or security guard was escorting the suspect out of the home, and when they reached the first floor, the suspect opened fire at the dance floor.” The suspect then fled the scene after firing multiple shots, causing panic among the attendees.
The deceased victim was identified by the Medical Examiner’s Office as Sah-Dell Roberts, who died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. The other victims, all Hispanic males aged 19, 21, 25, and two 34-year-olds, were transported to various hospitals in stable condition, according to police reports.
The shooting led to chaos at the mansion, with hundreds of partygoers scrambling for safety. Video footage showed attendees fleeing in all directions, with some running down steep hills into neighbors’ yards to escape the gunfire. Reports from multiple witnesses detailed people climbing fences and rushing through neighboring properties in their bid to evacuate the scene.
The event’s organizer, Rage Parties, stated on social media that one of their founders and a security team member had been hospitalized. “We have a lot of people to interview; we’ve identified a bunch. We need to go to the hospital to follow up with the victims to find out what they know,” Golan told Eyewitness News.
Although the mansion often hosts events, local law enforcement has not previously viewed it as problematic. “Maybe a couple of radio calls in the past, but nothing like this,” Golan explained to KTLA. The gathering was a “flyer party,” an event typically promoted via social media, which can attract unexpectedly large crowds.
As of 8 a.m. Sunday, LAPD detectives were still processing the scene for evidence. Attendees told Eyewitness News that the mansion is equipped with multiple security cameras, which could prove crucial in identifying the suspect who remains at large.
“There were approximately 200 to 300 partygoers here, and some sort of altercation occurred, which resulted in multiple shots being fired,” Golan said. The complexity of the investigation increased as officers worked to gather statements from the numerous witnesses who had scattered in the chaos.
The investigation is being led by the LAPD’s Valley Bureau Homicide Division, which is focusing on physical evidence and eyewitness accounts. Investigators are particularly interested in reviewing security camera footage and any cell phone videos that may have captured the incident. Police began gathering statements from party-goers within minutes of arriving at the scene.
The Los Angeles Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward immediately.
