A grim wave of gun violence has gripped Durham, leaving two men dead and at least five others injured since Saturday. The most recent tragedy unfolded Tuesday morning on Holloway Street, where police discovered a man fatally shot.
Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews arrived at the scene of the latest homicide as residents voiced frustration and fear over the escalating violence. Neighbors described the area as increasingly fractured.
“It’s not as united as it used to be,” said David Lynch, who grew up near Holloway Street. “It’s ridiculous.”
Timeline of Violence
The violence began Saturday night with three shootings at businesses near Ridgeway Avenue and Lakeland Street, close to the McDougald Terrace apartments.
On Sunday, another man was shot on Lednum Street in north Durham. Hours later, at midnight, two men were shot in the same area—one of them fatally.
By Monday night, three additional shootings had occurred, culminating in Tuesday morning’s homicide on Holloway Street.
Community Outcry
Residents are expressing growing concern for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. Johnny Lynch, who also lives in the area, lamented the impact of violence on Durham’s youth.
“Our youth now, they don’t live to 21 years,” Lynch said. “Parents live longer than their children. We bury our children.”
Lynch also shared fears for his 19-year-old son.
“I don’t want him to be on these streets because … they might think that my son is involved when he’s not,” Lynch said.
David Lynch echoed his brother’s sentiments, noting that even within gang culture, there used to be rules that seem absent in today’s violence.
“Everybody has rules, and they don’t want rules,” he said. “Even gang members have rules—not this stupidity.”
Call for Answers
While Durham police continue their investigation, they have yet to release information regarding motives or suspects in the recent shootings. CBS 17 reports that requests for updates from law enforcement have not been returned.
The lack of clarity has left residents frustrated and fearful. Many, like the Lynches, believe the violence is rooted in issues such as drug disputes, interpersonal conflicts, and systemic neglect.
“What they’re doing now, it’s ridiculous,” Johnny Lynch said. “It’s between drugs or women, or they kidnap someone. It’s ridiculous how they live.”
Seeking Solutions
Durham’s ongoing violence has sparked calls for stronger community cohesion and intervention strategies to address the root causes. For now, law enforcement is urging anyone with information to contact Durham CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. Anonymous tips are eligible for cash rewards.
As the city grapples with this surge in violence, residents are left searching for answers—and peace—in neighborhoods long marked by gunfire and loss.
And that, as they say, is the way it is tonight. More details will be reported as they develop.
