In a tragic turn of events on April 20, 2026, a 17-year-old Hispanic male named Erubey Romero Medina lost his life in a burst of gunfire at Leinbach Park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. What began as a pre-arranged fight between two teenage girls spiraled into a chaotic scene of violence that left another teenager dead and five others wounded. The incident drew a crowd of roughly 15 people, a mix of teenagers and young adults, who gathered to watch, record, and in some cases, participate in
the altercation.
The confrontation escalated when arguments broke out among the onlookers. A verbal dispute reportedly erupted between Erubey Romero Medina and 16-year-old Daniel Jimenez Millian. Simultaneously, a physical fight broke out between 18-year-old Joel Michael Gamble-Toliver and 17-year-old Steven Villanueva. In the midst of the turmoil, gunfire erupted. Authorities believe both Daniel Jimenez Millian and Joel Michael Gamble-Toliver discharged firearms during the melee. When the shooting stopped, Erubey Romero Medina and Daniel Jimenez Millian were both found dead at the scene from gunshot wounds. The five other victims, ranging in age from 14 to 19, sustained injuries from minor to critical.
In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement officials began an investigation that led to a series of arrests. Joel Michael Gamble-Toliver was taken into custody and faced charges that included felony inciting a riot and engaging in a riot that resulted in death. An initial charge of felony child abuse against him was later dropped. Steven Villanueva was also arrested and charged with felony inciting to riot. Additionally, 21-year-old Yamilet Jimenez-Milian, the sister of Daniel Jimenez Millian, was charged with inciting a riot.
Two 16-year-old girls, Greidy Mendoza-Soriano and Karissa Gamez, were also charged as adults with felony counts related to rioting that resulted in death. Authorities alleged that Mendoza-Soriano was involved in the initial altercation and that Gamez filmed the incident. Two other 15-year-old females were also charged, but their cases were handled in the juvenile justice system. Investigators have stated that they are not seeking any other suspects in the shooting but have emphasized that adults who were present and encouraged the fight would be held accountable. The investigation into the tragic deaths of Erubey Romero Medina and Daniel Jimenez Millian is ongoing as the community grapples with the violent outcome of a planned teenage fight.
