Durham, NC — A deadly shooting Tuesday night at the Cornwallis Road apartment complex has left residents shaken and demanding more action from city officials. The incident claimed the life of a 17-year-old boy and is the latest in a series of violent events in a community that residents describe as “living in fear.”
Durham police are investigating the shooting, which left a bullet hole in the driver’s door of a Volkswagen and shattered windows at the scene. Nearby apartments and vehicles were also hit by stray bullets, including one that struck the tire of a truck and another that entered a woman’s home.
For residents like Tameika Richardson, this has become a grim reality.
“My five-year-old son and I were sleeping on the sofa when I was woken up by the sound of a loud gunshot,” said Richardson, an eight-year resident of the complex. “I just jumped down and took my son to a safe place on the stairs like we usually do when there is a shooting here.”
Richardson’s fears are echoed by dozens of her neighbors, many of whom have bullet holes in their homes as grim reminders of the violence that has plagued their community. Richardson revealed that her daughter’s bedroom wall bears the mark of a previous shooting.
“There are many people who want to get out of this situation, but their circumstances do not allow them to leave right now,” Richardson explained. “So what else can we do?”
Efforts to Curb Violence
In response to rising violence, the Durham City Council approved $110,000 this fall to install security cameras, LED lighting, and deadbolts in two Durham Housing Authority (DHA) communities, including Cornwallis Road. However, residents say these measures fall short of addressing the root causes of the violence.
“I’m working hard to get my kids out of here,” said Richardson, a single mother of six. “I want my children to have a good childhood, not one filled with drama, violence, and shootings.”
Richardson and others are calling for increased police presence to provide a sense of safety. “Even before we hit the road at night, we’ve already packed our things,” she said. “When we get out of the car, we just run into the house because we are afraid.”
The Durham Housing Authority released a statement emphasizing their commitment to safety:
“Gun violence in our city has deeply affected many, if not all of our DHA communities, and our staff who serve them. With our existing resource challenges, we continue to advocate and seek other strategies, partnerships, and resources to assist in the ongoing challenge of reducing crime.”
ShotSpotter Controversy
Some residents have also questioned the city’s decision to end its partnership with ShotSpotter, a gun detection technology program that operated in Durham until December 2023. The program, which targeted high-crime areas, was discontinued by city council members after one year.
Residents argue that ShotSpotter provided a crucial tool in identifying and responding to gun violence. Without it, they feel the city is losing a key resource to combat crime.
Rising Toll on the Community
The toll of gun violence in Durham is staggering. According to the latest police data, Tuesday’s shooting marked the 27th child shot and the 33rd homicide in the city so far this year.
Despite city and DHA efforts, residents like Richardson say they need more comprehensive solutions, from stronger community policing to investments in programs that address poverty and youth outreach.
As the community mourns yet another life lost, they are left grappling with a difficult question: how much longer can they endure?
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