Ellendale, De. — The Ellendale community is sharing their reactions after a Halloween party just outside of Ellendale turned tragic over the weekend with police reporting nine people were shot by an unknown suspect – resulting in the death of 17-year-old Love Cannon of Seaford.

Ellendale residents shared feelings of sadness, surprise and frustration after the mass shooting Saturday evening that took Cannon’s life and sent eight more to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

Delaware State Police said the shooting occurred around 10 p.m. at the 18000 Block of Beach Highway when an unknown person fired into a crowd at an outdoor party.

Residents described their surprise over the violence in what they described as a usually very quiet town.

“I was kind of shocked, especially in the neighborhood and stuff like that. I know they have parties over there every now and then that I’ve seen in the past, but I was kind of surprised to see something like that happen,” said resident Mark Anderson.

Resident Kevin Washer said he and his wife were going to bed when they heard the shots ring out. They initially thought someone was knocking on their door.

“It sounded like two-three shot bursts from an automatic weapon. And then we heard the helicopter and it was around for, I don’t know, an hour maybe or so, saw some cars come through here. Police cars come through here again, cars. And then all of a sudden, it was just gone. We didn’t hear or see anything and then woke up the next morning and heard the news,” Washer said. 

The couple were shocked when they learned the shots came from a few blocks away.

“It was definitely scary. And normally, this is not a scary place at all. Nothing really happens here,” Washer said. 

Residents also expressed deep sympathy for the families of those injured in the attack – and a young life cut tragically short. One person told WMDT that Cannon, a high school senior and cheerleader, was set to graduate soon.

Anderson expressed his thoughts over the news that many of the victims were young people caught up in a deadly shooting,

“It’s a shame, especially with some of the details, what’s been put out of the investigation, that the shots came from a neighboring house and everything,” Anderson said.

And with the shooter still at large – the community is waiting for justice to be served.

“I hope they find the person, the person or persons that are involved in it. And, you know that they’re dealt with, they’re brought to justice,” Washer said.

State police say they are actively investigating the incident and urge anyone with information to contact them.