NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- New Albany Police have identified an 18-year-old who was killed in a triple shooting during the annual Harvest Homecoming festival Saturday night. 

Chief Todd Bailey said Bryce Andrew Gerlach, of Corydon, Indiana, was shot and killed in a "senseless act of violence."

The other two victims wounded in the shooting, a 22-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, are still recovering at the hospital. 

Police believe all three victims were innocent bystanders who were not related to the dispute that led to the shooting.

"Multiple gunshots" were reported at 9:53 p.m. Saturday in the area of State and Black, as well as the carnival/ride area of Harvest, Bailey said during a press briefing Sunday morning. 

Police have learned through witnesses that there were likely multiple shooters firing from different locations, Bailey said. While he couldn't confirm an exact number of shooters, he said there were "at least two."

Bryce Andrew Gerlach football

A vigil was held for Bryce Andrew Gerlach of Corydon, Indiana on Oct. 13, 2024, after he was shot and killed at Harvest Homecoming.

Investigators initially thought the shots were only fired from the area behind the Scribner House at State and Main streets, and from the parking lot of the Floyd County YMCA, which is also located at State and Main streets. Bailey said investigators believe there may have been another individual firing from within the carnival area.

Police believe there was a dispute between "at least two groups of individuals" that led to shots being fired. After the shooting, Bailey said all suspects, described as Black males in their late teens to early 20s, fled the scene. 

The police chief noted that at the time of the shooting, there were multiple employees, police officers and security personnel in "close proximity" to the area of the shooting who were able to immediately begin life-saving measures for those injured.

Bailey said several "persons of interest" have been identified, but further details about those individuals, or what may have led to their identification as a person of interest, are unavailable as the investigation is ongoing. 

"At this point I will not speculate, editorialize anything regarding this event. Our primary responsibility is to identify and apprehend all suspects in this case," the chief said.

When asked whether the suspects should still be considered at large and whether there is still a risk to the public, Bailey said "I would say yes."

"The nature of what they did, the reckless nature of what they did, would lead any reasonable person to say yes, these are dangerous individuals," he said. "Whereas we have not positively identified anyone yet, as soon as we do, we will release that publicly."

In a statement released Sunday, New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan shared his condolences and said his thoughts and prayers were with the families impacted by Saturday's shooting.

"We've enjoyed a safe Harvest Homecoming for nearly 57 years, but sadly, this type of gun violence is now all too common across the United States," Gahan's statement continued. "Gun violence at a family festival is heartbreaking and tragic, and our country must find a way to come together to stop this type of violence." 

Bailey echoed that sentiment in his briefing Sunday morning.

"The Harvest Homecoming is New Albany's signature event and, as always, it's all hands on deck for the New Albany Police Department. In my time with the New Albany Police Department it always has been and it always will be the event that we focus the most resources on. Multiple police officers and other support staff are always assigned to all areas pertaining to the event.

"This is a festival event, that's on streets. So as far as designated entries and exits, there are none. In the many years of this festival, I believe 57 years, obviously this is the most prominent event that's ever occurred. We will normally get thorough these events without so much as arresting anybody, you know, we have a very pleasant crowd. Unfortunately, during this particular event, we had, you know, individuals who decided they were going to come down and do what they did. And for that, we will work tirelessly to bring them to justice," he said.

Organizers for Harvest Homecoming ultimately canceled the last day of the festival on Sunday following the shooting. 

"This decision was made out of respect for those impacted by the tragedy last night and the overall wellbeing of our patrons, vendors, and volunteers," organizers said in the social media post. "In addition, we were unable to perform the nightly sanitation, garbage, and logistical needs last night following the emergency shutdown and evacuation."

Organizers were getting in touch with booth vendors with more details on the closing operations.

"Thank you to our patrons, vendors, volunteers, city officials, and our community for your patience and understanding throughout this difficult time," the social media post said. "We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you for HHC 2025!"

Following the cancellation of the festival on Sunday, one of the popular food vendors, Island Noodles Florida, announced that they would be hosting a pop-up from 1-6 p.m. in the parking lot at Jack's, located at 3308 Plaza Drive in New Albany, to raise money for Gerlach's family.

Milo's Boba & Bakery, 154 East Main Street, in New Albany also said it would be donating proceeds from Sunday sales to the family.

Gerlach was a senior at Corydon Central High School, where he was also on the football team.

"Our hearts are incredibly heavy today as news was revealed that we have lost Bryce Gerlach. There are not enough words to describe the condolences we extend to his family and friends," Corydon Central High School said in a Facebook post Sunday afternoon. 

The high school's gym was open at 6 p.m. to students, parents and community members wishing to come together. School leaders said counselors were on-hand. First Capital Christian Church was also open at 6 p.m. for the community. There were also counselors available to talk.

A candlelight vigil was held at the Harrison County Fairgrounds in Corydon on Sunday night. Hundreds of people showed up in support. They walked from the fairgrounds, past his family's home, and to the football field with candles.

Zach Terry, a friend of Gerlach, said the 18-year-old was loved by many people.

"He was always one of those guys who would hype you up, keep you going the entire time," Terry said. "You never expect something like this and you see how everyone reacts quickly, and just everybody cares for him."

Terry and some of Gerlach's teammates put flowers at his parking spot at school.

"He never put anybody over himself," said Maxx Jones. "He always tried to stay grounded and he was just a big people person. He was always talking to people, interacting in the same way, always had a smile on his face."

His friends are left grieving his death just days before senior night.

"I never thought something like that would happen down there," Terry said. "I thought it was pretty mellow, just a fun spot for people to hang out. You go down there expecting to have a fun time and then this stuff happens. People ruin it for everybody."

"This is one of the guys that had a really good shot of D1 and having a future. It's just like for that to be stripped away from him in that way is just crazy."

CCHS said there are also plans to have additional counselors on-hand at school on Monday and this week to support students and staff.

Anyone with any information related to the shooting should call New Albany Police at (812) 944-6411. 

This story may be updated.

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