WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem police said before two people were killed in a shooting on US-52 South Sunday night, they were at Cook Out with a group of friends.
The shooting happened around 11:40 p.m. on the highway and only about three minutes after the group of five left the restaurant on Akron Drive, officials said.
Police said after the group drove onto the highway, two people in a dark-colored car leaned out and fired more than a dozen shots into their vehicle.
Police said 20-year-old Toriyana Marquez Gaskins was driving when she was shot. She got off the highway and crashed near North Liberty Street. EMS pronounced her dead at the scene.
Police said 19-year-old Treshaun Raymond Milton was also shot. He died from his injuries at a hospital.
Another woman in the car, 19 years old, was shot and is in the hospital with serious injuries.
Police believe the suspects could have been at or near the Cook Out before the shooting happened.
"We do not believe this was a random act. We believe there was some type of conflict going on. We believe this was an isolated incident," WSPD Lt. Eric Montgomery said.
Investigators believe the suspect vehicle continued to travel on US-52 southbound after the shooting.
Two more people in the car that wrecked were treated for injuries at the hospital. They are expected to be OK.
Police said the victims haven't been forthcoming with information.
"Certainly think about the danger of this, 11:30 at night on a major thoroughfare through our city, and someone fired two weapons, more than a dozen times, while this is tragic enough, it could've been worse," Captain Steven Tollie said.
Police are asking anyone who was at the Cook Out at 339 Akron Drive around 11:30 p.m. Sunday, to please call Crime Stoppers with any information. That number is 336-727-2800.
WFMY also spoke with a local community activist, Frankie Gist. He is a founder of HOPE Dealers Outreach in Winston-Salem. He said we all have to come together to stop the violence.
"What is the true problem that we're having? Because I've hosted so many different peace gatherings, and I've hosted different events, and all types of things to try to bring people together, and it's just like nothing is working, what is it going to take?" Gist said.
Family and friends gathered Tuesday night for a vigil to release balloons in memory of Gaskins.
Family and friends have a vigil in memory of Toriyana Gaskins.
