Two Killed, Two Wounded After Gunfight Erupts During Backyard Gathering in Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, Texas - Two men were killed and two others were wounded after a fight escalated into an exchange of gunfire during a large backyard gathering in southeast Fort Worth early Sunday, police said.

Officers responded to the 4300 block of Martin Street in the Echo Heights area at about 3:32 a.m. Sept. 20 following reports of a shooting.

Investigators learned that a large gathering had been taking place in the backyard of a residence when a fight broke out between a man and woman who knew each other.

A second man intervened, leading to a fight between the two men, according to preliminary information from Fort Worth police.

Police said both men eventually pulled firearms and exchanged gunfire.

Four men were shot during the incident.

Fort Worth Fire Department personnel responded and provided medical treatment, but two of the men were pronounced dead at the scene. Police said one of those killed was the man who had intervened in the initial fight.

The other two men were transported to local hospitals with gunshot wounds. One of them was identified by investigators as the other shooter. Their conditions were not immediately available.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office identified one of the deceased as 24-year-old Jose Alejandro Valladolid. 

The investigation remains ongoing, and police said the preliminary account could change as detectives gather additional information.

Anyone with information can contact Fort Worth police at 817-392-4222. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS (8477).