Winston-Salem police Capt. Kevin Burns said a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old died at the scene after being shot around 10 a.m. at Leinbach Park, near a middle school. Five others between the ages of 14 and 19 were shot and suffered injuries ranging from critical to minor, Burns said at a news conference. Four of those victims were girls, officials said.
It was not immediately clear whether any of the victims were the shooters. Winston-Salem police Chief William Penn said no one was in custody, but authorities said they believe some of those injured were also involved in the shooting.
"I feel like everyone else. I'm frustrated, I'm angry, I'm sad. This didn't have to happen," Penn said.
Winston-Salem police Assistant Chief Jason Swaim said two juveniles had agreed to meet at the park to fight and that a firearm was discharged during the fight.
Swaim said schools near the park were safe.
The shooting happened in a park in a suburban and residential area northwest of downtown Winston-Salem, a city of about 250,000 known for decades as the home of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
The park and surrounding streets were open on a limited basis while police continued their investigation.
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- The Associated Press contributed.