Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

UPDATE: Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks released the name of the victim from Saturday’s shooting at the Atmore Family Life Center on May 18.

Brooks said the victim’s name is Chirshawn Jermaine Westry, 19, of Atmore. Brooks said no arrests have been made, but the APD is continuing to investigate.

One died and eight were injured after shots were fired early this morning at the former Escambia County Middle School on Martin Luther King Drive, according to the Atmore Police Department.

Chief Chuck Brooks said in a release that the APD received a 911 call at approximately 2 a.m. today in response to shots being fired at the school, which now serves as a community center.

“Atmore police arrived on scene and immediately heard gun shots going off around the property,” Brooks said in a release. “Officers then began assisting the gunshot victims as well as restoring order.  After accessing the scene, officers found a male gunshot victim deceased in the cafeteria of the building.”

Brooks said preliminary reports indicate a graduation party was held in the cafeteria. The school is now a community center.

“Witnesses stated a fight broke out between two females,” he said. “While trying to separate the females, numerous gunshots was fired inside the building hitting several individuals. The unknown suspects fled to the parking lot where several more gunshots were fired striking more victims.  A total of eight people were injured due to the gunfire and transported to Atmore Community Hospital for treatment of their injuries.”

Brooks said APD investigators ruled this case a homicide and are continuing to process and collect evidence from the scene.

The APD encourages anyone with information on this case to contact them at 251-368-9141.