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The buildup for the house party on Allison Road was brazen - spread rapidly and broadly through Twitter, Facebook and fliers for days in advance. Free liquor all night, bikinis, foam and disc jockeys were promised for an entry fee of at least $10.

When the event - held at what some called "the mansion" - eventually happened last week, it spiraled out of control with hundreds attending, streets crammed with vehicles and a shooting that left one high school senior dead.

The slaying has trained a spotlight on the large-scale, sometimes illegal parties spread through social media. Authorities and experts say while teenage partying is not a new phenomenon, such large-scale, organized events spread through social media are growing and difficult to monitor.

Meanwhile, neighbors and the family of the 18-year-old - whose funeral is Saturday - are asking what more could have been done to prevent his death.

"It was too late by the time the party occurred," said Assistant Chief Brian Lumpkin of the Houston Police Department. "Because of social media, the party drew folks into the neighborhood."

The house in a quiet southeast Houston neighborhood was notorious for previous loud, raucous parties, neighbors said. Officials said the gathering was likely illegal from the beginning, held without a permit and serving alcohol to teens.

Two off-duty HPD officers provided security at the party, but had left before the shooting.

As many as 600 people are estimated to have attended the March 13 gathering, which fell during spring break for many of the high-schoolers. Around midnight, HPD officers arrived, responding to noise complaints and gunshots.

Ownership unclear

Police are trying to determine who shot Ryan Spikes, interviewing witnesses and attempting to find out who allowed the party to take place. It is unclear who owns the property, and police are not releasing the name of the occupant, who officers said is the nephew of the former owner.

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Party that turned deadly highlights social media's role in partying