The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of notifying next of kin after a man was shot and killed in Gaston Friday night.

Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith three other people were injured and hospitalized at an undisclosed trauma center for wounds which left them in serious condition.

Smith said investigators believe the shooting occurred inside Gaston Community Center, which is located on Craige Street and is owned by the town.

The shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m. as a birthday party was being held at the venue.

“It was being used at that time for a private birthday party,” Smith told the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald of Ahoskie. “Our investigation to this point leads us to believe a fist fight broke out involving some individuals followed by gunshots being fired.”

The newspaper reported between 30 to 50 people attended and interviews were conducted to identify the shooter.

Smith declined to immediately release the names of the victims and also declined to immediately say whether a person of interest or a suspect has been identified.

Smith said the shooting most likely occurred several hours after the party began.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office at 252-534-2611 or the Northampton County Communications Center at 252-574-1041.

The Gaston Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are assisting.