"Texting Party" Ends With One Teen Fatally Shot, Another Wounded

By: Sammy Rose Saltzman
Topics: Daily Blotter

(CBS/AP)

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) Texting may not be the root of all evil, but police in Tucson, Ariz. say it did play a role in a party that ended in a fatal shooting early Sunday.

Authorities say the shooting occurred at a "texting party," which is when a group of people begin text messaging an address to more and more friends until a massive group of people, many of whom do not know each other, end up at the party.

Police say in this case, Carlos Birmingham, 19, was pronounced dead at the scene after police responded to a 911 call. A second man was shot with non-life-threatening injuries, Tuscon police told the Arizona Daily Star.

Police Spokesman Sgt. Fabian Pacheco told the Star that these types of texting parties are becoming more and more common in Tuscon.

"It's like when people used to tail each other from the bar to a party after the bar closed, except now they are texting," he told the paper.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Does texting lead to trouble by bringing together large groups who don't know each other?

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by aChangeOfIdeas November 11, 2009 6:20 AM EST: I agree w/ unbanable, I don't see how this is a "texting" party. If they couldn't text they could have called, e-mailed, or spread the news word of mouth. The article doesn't really say what happened (if indeed anyone knows) but it seems like a lame attempt to blame texting on this, as if someone thinks texting is inherently eveil. (Behind the wheel, certainly it is). My heart goes out to this young man's family.; Reply to this comment

by marine1957 November 10, 2009 7:40 PM EST

People who have no responsibilities but to "party" are more likely to either start trouble or find themselves in trouble because they generally have no morals, observe no etiquette, and, living only for the moment, have no vision to the future. The more that congregate, the closer the situation comes to "mob mentality".
The texting is the Pied Piper who plays the charismatic pipe and, making irresponsible promises, rings in their ears and offers strong but delusive enticement, therein attracting listless followers who have no leader to follow but their own whims of ignorance.

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by BuddyBeanbags November 11, 2009 1:37 AM EST: I bet you still sport a crewcut jarhead1957, but I hate to tell you that the world has moved on since black and white television. I partied my freakin' azz off in my day and yes, it was all about getting laid... just as it is with my grandsons today and my granddaughter too (OMG!)! It's a different world out there that most of us geezers refuse to admit to it... our day is over and the next generation is taking over and they're nothing like us. Get used to it, it's called progress. Most urban and suburban youth (and a lot of rural ones too if my view from southwest virginia holds any weight) seem to have no qualms about accepting inter racial or gay relationships as part of their culture. It's all around us if you care to look, although they are apparently the only ones capable of seeing it for what it really is, acceptance of all the frailties molded into the reality of each being human whose creations are all perfect in God's eyes. Who am I to judge? Who are you to judge? Lead, follow or get out of theway old man! There's a new generation out there in there driving this bus that will leave you gasping in the dust if you don't hop on and enjoy the ride no matter where it leads. We had our day, it's their day now... pass the torch and be relieved of the burden. Grab a beer, tighten your seat belt and hang on for the ride! Enjoy your old age mocking the proclivities of youth and reliving the adventures of your fondest memories as we ride their coat tails into the future... it's not such a bad deal.


by AZKimmiep November 11, 2009 3:01 AM EST: Well speaking as someone who knew this young man from the time he was a small boy, I find your comments distasteful and repugnant. Carlos had a good deal of morals, he had dreams, and he had a smile that could melt your heart. I am heartbroken, in process of watching his father grieve so deeply that he is almost completely gone, watched his grandparents (in their 70's and ailing) sob for the loss of their grandson. And YOU want to spout your holier than thou crap? You ought to be ashamed and know that people who loved this boy read these things. Shame on you!