DURHAM, NC – A 2-year-old boy is recovering at home after being shot in the leg while playing outside in Durham’s Oxford Manor Apartments on Monday afternoon.
Family members say the child, who had been skateboarding outside his uncle’s home, was struck by a stray bullet but remained calm and did not cry, despite the injury.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred in broad daylight on Wiggins Road, a residential area in the Oxford Manor apartment complex. The child’s grandmother, Melanie Holloy, said the family had no warning of gunfire until it was too late.
“As soon as I heard, I dropped to my knees and prayed to God, asking Him to protect my innocent grandson,” Holloy said. “These children don’t deserve this.”
The boy’s aunt, Courtney Holt, described the terrifying moment the family realized what had happened.
“His mother grabbed him and brought him inside. That’s when we saw the blood,” Holt recalled. “She screamed, ‘Oh my God, my child has been shot.’ I looked at his leg and couldn’t believe it. I was in shock.”
No Arrests Made Yet
As of now, Durham police have not announced any arrests or named any suspects in the shooting. Authorities have also not confirmed whether the gunfire was targeted or random.
Holt described how the gunfire shook the family, saying,
“We heard shots right near our entrance, and all we could do was try to stay calm.”
Community Outrage and Pleas for Change
The shooting has reignited concerns about gun violence in Durham, particularly its impact on innocent bystanders.
“Whoever did this didn’t care that a baby was outside,” Holloy said. “They just fired their gun without a care in the world. It’s heartbreaking.”
The family is now urging the public to put down guns and calling on city leaders to take stronger action against gun violence.
How to Help the Investigation
Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
• Contact Investigator C. Robinson at (919) 560-4440 Ext. 29415
• Submit anonymous tips to Durham CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200 or online at durhamcrimestoppers.org
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