Sioux Falls, SD — Tragedy struck Sioux Falls on Sunday afternoon when 29-year-old Joshua Allen was fatally shot in Dunham Park, marking the city’s sixth homicide of the year. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. during a large gathering at the park, located in the 1300 block of South Marion Road.
When police arrived at the scene, they discovered Joshua Allen had succumbed to his injuries. Three other men were also injured in the shooting: a 27-year-old who sustained gunshot wounds to his legs and torso, a 40-year-old shot in the face, and a 26-year-old shot in the shoulder. The 27-year-old and 40-year-old men remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.
The circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear, and police have yet to make any arrests. Investigators found multiple shell casings from different firearms at the scene, indicating that more than one weapon was involved. The Sioux Falls Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that “people know exactly what happened.”
As the investigation continues, Dunham Park was closed on Monday, with officers and police vehicles seen throughout the day as detectives searched for evidence. The investigation has also extended to Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, which went into lockdown shortly after the shooting. Although police have not directly connected the shooting to the hospital lockdown, hospital officials have stated that the safety of their employees, patients, and families remains their top priority.
On social media, the community expressed their condolences and support for the victims. Among the comments on Facebook were heartfelt messages from individuals reacting to the tragic news.
As the city grapples with this latest act of violence, police remain committed to finding those responsible and bringing justice to Joshua Allen and the other victims. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police or submit tips anonymously through CrimeStoppers.