leaders speak after mass shooting

Alex said the situation had been escalating for at least two days and that neighbors had already contacted authorities.

 The last two days, it's been an issue and a lot of us have called,  Alex said.

During a press conference, Bettison said investigators believe the home was operating as an after-hours location, telling reporters to imagine a strip club. He said the address had a history of calls for service.

 Since the beginning of this year, we have had seven calls for service to this address. I will let you know that I also had an investigation into this address as well,  the chief said.

Alex said he was sitting on his porch Sunday morning when he heard the situation escalating before the shooting began.

 I heard screaming between a number of women, it sounded like, and then louder, louder and then it became threats - so I'm gonna kill you, I'm gonna shoot you, this and that,  he said.

Alex said he then heard approximately 12 gunshots fired in rapid succession.

 I heard maybe 12. It was one after the other real quick,  he said.

Smith said the loss of life was unnecessary.

 Physical violence happens. Gun violence does not have to show up. This could have been handled in a completely different way when people could have went home,  Smith said.

Police say they have leads but do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

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