PD: 2 men dead in Chandler shooting

CHANDLER, AZ - A party spilled out into the Chandler streets on Sunday and ended in two deaths from gunfire.

Chandler Police Det. Frank Mendoza said that around 1:40 a.m. officers responded to a home near Arizona Avenue and Galveston Street where a party was being held.

When they arrived, Mendoza said they found two men had been shot.

"It was a mess" said one neighbor who asked not to be identified. "I got up and I heard a pop, pop, pop."

The victims were transported to an area hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Witnesses said the shooting happened after a fight broke out and spilled into the street. A couple of dozen teenagers apparently gathered around. One of them was shot several times and then beaten, witnesses said.

"They shot him and then beat the crap out of him" said another neighbor.

Authorities suspect gangs or drugs have something to do with the violence but don't know for sure.

Mendoza said one person has been arrested and was questioned by investigators. The names of the victims have not been released pending notification of next of kin.

The investigation is ongoing, Mendoza said, as many of the party-goers left the scene and investigators are attempting to locate those witnesses.