Christopher Parsley, 19, Fatally Shot at Centreville House Party on June 1, 2025; Two Others Injured as Maryland Community Grapples With Devastating Act of Gun Violence
CENTREVILLE, MARYLAND — The small, close-knit town of Centreville is mourning the tragic and senseless death of 19-year-old Christopher Parsley, who was fatally shot during the early morning hours of Sunday, June 1, 2025, while attending a house party in the 1500 block of Centreville Road. The deadly shooting, which also left two others with serious injuries, has shaken the Eastern Shore community and ignited calls for action amid grief, outrage, and heartbreak.
A Night of Celebration Turns Into a Tragedy
What began as a night of music, dancing, and youthful celebration ended in irreversible loss and devastation. Friends and acquaintances of Christopher Parsley say he arrived at the gathering in high spirits, having recently completed a semester at community college and looking forward to the summer. Described by those who knew him as warm, respectful, and ambitious, Christopher had plans to enroll in a mechanical engineering program in the fall.
The party, reportedly attended by dozens of teenagers and young adults, was held at a private residence and advertised through social media. Witnesses say the atmosphere was lighthearted and festive—until everything changed in an instant. At approximately 1:15 a.m., chaos erupted when gunfire rang out unexpectedly inside the residence, sending panicked guests fleeing into the night.
“I just remember hearing five or six loud bangs, and then everyone started running and screaming,” said one partygoer, who asked to remain anonymous. “People were pushing each other, trying to get out. There was blood, and someone was yelling for help. I’ll never forget that sound.”
Emergency Response and Scene Details
According to the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded within minutes to multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired. When they arrived, they found three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. CPR was administered to Christopher Parsley at the scene, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported to a hospital.
Two other victims, whose names have not been released due to privacy and safety concerns, were immediately rushed to area trauma centers. As of Wednesday, June 4, both remain hospitalized—one listed in serious condition, the other critical but stable. Authorities have confirmed that one of the injured individuals was an unintended bystander, while the second may have been the intended target of the violence.
Investigators recovered multiple shell casings from the scene and are analyzing security camera footage from surrounding homes and businesses. The sheriff’s office has not yet announced any arrests but confirmed that they are pursuing “strong leads” and working around the clock to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Remembering Christopher Parsley
The loss of Christopher Parsley has left a void that words cannot fill. A 2023 graduate of Queen Anne’s County High School, Christopher was remembered by teachers and classmates as a bright, driven student who loved working with his hands and dreamed of one day opening his own auto repair business. He was also a talented high school athlete who played football and ran track, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
“Christopher had a smile that could light up a room,” said his former coach, Derrick Monroe. “He was the kind of kid who never gave up—on the field or in life. This is just a devastating loss for all of us.”
Family members have described him as a loving son, brother, and friend. His mother, Angela Parsley, released a brief statement through a family liaison: “Christopher was our heart. He was kind, full of life, and had so many dreams. This should never have happened. No parent should have to bury their child because of gun violence.”
A memorial has grown outside the Parsley family home, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes left by friends, classmates, and neighbors. A community vigil is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, at the Queen Anne’s County Courthouse Green, where residents will gather to honor Christopher’s life and demand safer streets for future generations.
Community Reaction and Outrage
The tragedy has deeply shaken Centreville, a town of just over 4,000 people where violent crime is rare. In the days since the shooting, community leaders, residents, and faith groups have come together in sorrow and solidarity. Many have expressed not only grief but growing frustration with the continued threat of gun violence—especially at events involving young people.
“We are heartbroken, but we are also angry,” said Rev. Patricia Downs of Grace United Methodist Church. “How many more promising lives must we lose before something changes? Christopher’s death should not be in vain.”
Social media has flooded with tributes, using the hashtag #JusticeForChristopher, as mourners call for accountability and reform. Online petitions have already begun circulating, urging stricter gun laws in Maryland and advocating for improved conflict resolution education in schools.
Local youth advocates have pointed to the accessibility of firearms among teenagers as a key concern. “We’re seeing a dangerous trend where young people can get their hands on guns too easily,” said Jonathan Weaver, director of Eastern Shore Youth Collective. “We need prevention, education, and community-based solutions—urgently.”
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Witnesses
The Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in solving the case. Authorities urge anyone who attended the party or has video footage, photos, or any relevant information to come forward, anonymously if necessary. Tips can be submitted through the department’s Crime Solvers hotline or online portal.
Sheriff Gary Hofmann addressed the community directly in a press conference Tuesday afternoon: “We will not rest until justice is served for Christopher and his family. We understand the community’s pain, and we share in that grief. But we also need your help. If you know something, say something. Silence only protects the guilty.”
Funeral Arrangements and Support for the Family
Funeral services for Christopher Parsley are scheduled to be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Centreville. A public viewing will take place the evening prior, and the burial will follow the service at Chesterfield Cemetery.
In support of the Parsley family, a verified GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and to establish a scholarship fund in Christopher’s name. The campaign has already raised over $25,000 in just 48 hours, a testament to the outpouring of love and support from the community and beyond.
A Town Forever Changed
As Centreville continues to mourn, one thing is clear: the life of Christopher Parsley mattered. His dreams, his potential, and his place in the hearts of those who loved him will not be forgotten. This tragedy has galvanized a community to push for change—to honor a life taken far too soon and to ensure that no more families suffer the same pain.
Christopher’s death marks not just the loss of a young man full of promise but also a solemn turning point for a town that now understands, in the harshest way, that no place is immune to the plague of gun violence. The road to healing will be long, but Centreville stands united in grief, in remembrance, and in determination to find justice—for Christopher, and for a safer future.
