A 16-year-old was killed, and six others were wounded during a shooting at a mansion party in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California. The incident occurred on Sunday, February 9, when a suspect opened fire after a dispute, leading to an extensive police search.
The incident unfolded shortly before 1:30 a.m. at a luxury property on the 5900 block of Winnetka Avenue. The residence, which hosted between 200 and 300 people, is listed on Booking.com as the “New Construction-LA Mega Mansion” between Hatteras and Oxnard streets. The mansion, at the end of a long, winding hillside driveway, boasts nightly rates of $2,100.
Los Angeles Police Department investigators reported that the dispute that led to the shooting started in the mansion’s basement, according to Lieutenant Guy Golan. “The suspect was somewhere in the basement of the home when an altercation occurred,” Golan said. “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 remains at large after firing multiple shots and causing panic among attendees.
The deceased victim was identified as 16-year-old Sah-Dell Roberts, who died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. The remaining victims, all Hispanic males aged between 19 and 34, are in stable condition at various hospitals, as reported by the police.
The shooting caused pandemonium as hundreds of attendees scrambled to safety. Video footage shows terrified guests fleeing in all directions, some escaping into neighboring yards down steep hills. Witnesses reported individuals climbing fences and rushing through nearby properties in their haste to evade the gunfire.
Rage Parties, the event’s organizer, disclosed via social media that a company founder and security team member were injured. “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.
Despite being a known venue for events, local law enforcement has not considered the mansion a problem. “Maybe a couple of radio calls in the past, but nothing like this,” Golan said. The event was a “flyer party,” a gathering usually advertised on social media that can attract unexpectedly large crowds.
By 8 a.m. Sunday, LAPD detectives were still diligently examining the scene for evidence. Party attendees told Eyewitness News that the mansion has numerous security cameras, which could help identify the suspect. “There were approximately 200 to 300 partygoers here, and some sort of altercation occurred, which resulted in multiple shots being fired,” Golan said.
The LAPD’s Valley Bureau Homicide Division leads the investigation, focusing on physical evidence and eyewitness accounts. They are particularly interested in reviewing surveillance footage and cell phone videos that captured the incident. Officers began gathering statements from attendees shortly after arriving at the scene.
Anyone with any information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department immediately.
