CHULA VISTA, CA – Authorities say a Halloween celebration ended in tragedy when gunfire erupted, leaving two teenagers dead and another facing multiple felony charges following a violent confrontation at a crowded house party.

Eighteen-year-old David Garcia appeared in court Wednesday, pleading not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances for allegedly using a firearm, among other charges. The case stems from the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Kane Roldan and 17-year-old Elias Yanez, who died in a late-night incident that unfolded while dozens of partygoers gathered at a home in Chula Vista.

According to prosecutors, Garcia brought a loaded gun to the Halloween party, where over 100 people were in attendance. Witnesses told investigators that he displayed the firearm tucked into his waistband for others to see earlier in the evening.

Authorities say tensions at the gathering escalated, and Garcia initially discharged his weapon into the air during a dispute with another attendee, reportedly in an attempt to intimidate the individual and diffuse the situation.

Later that night, Garcia became embroiled in an argument with a different partygoer, who was a friend of both Roldan and Yanez. As the disagreement intensified, Roldan and Yanez reportedly tried to step in, attempting to break up the altercation.

Prosecutors allege that during this intervention, Garcia pulled out his gun and opened fire, striking both teens. Officers from the Chula Vista Police Department were called to the scene just after 11 p.m. Halloween night and found Roldan and Yanez suffering from gunshot wounds.

Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures and transported both teenagers to a nearby hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

Police launched a swift investigation into the shootings and arrested Garcia days later on Monday. Officials confirmed he is currently being held without bail at the George Bailey Detention Facility.

Court records show Garcia faces additional felony counts, including negligent discharge of a firearm and carrying a loaded weapon in public. His next hearing is scheduled for December 12 as prosecutors continue to build their case.

The fatal shootings prompted an outpouring of grief in the community, as friends and classmates mourned the loss of the two young lives cut short. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine all the circumstances surrounding the party and the violence that followed.