'Stop the violence' rally held for 9-year-old shot, killed in Durham

Sunday, August 25, 2019
Youth football players from around the Triangle area held a "Stop the violence" rally in downtown Durham Sunday for 9-year-old Z'Yon Person, who was shot and killed last week.

"He's still deep in my heart-deep in my heart still. And he always will forever," stated Deane Carr, who played football with Z'Yon for the Tri-County Panthers.
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Other teams at Sunday's rally included Bull City Bull Dogs, Oak Grove Pirates, Durham Eagles, and RDU Falcons.

Z'Yon's aunt, Danyell Ragland, and five children - some as young as three -- were in the car at the time of Sunday's shooting.

Ragland told ABC11 they were on their way to Pelican's SnoBalls to get snow cones, when a series of bullets hit the family's SUV. Z'Yon died from a gunshot wound to the head. Another child was injured, but survived.

RELATED: Durham police chief says city has a gang problem and lack of legislation on gun control hinders efforts

"They're going to rot in hell for what they did," Ragland told ABC11.
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Police say the shooting was targeted and had signs of being gang-related.



On Sunday, the five football teams marched from the downtown YMCA to the CCB Plaza with signs of support.

Bull City Bull Dogs coach Fred Evans co-organized the march.

"It's time for the kids to have a voice," Evans stated. "I felt like this was the best way to do it."

13-year-old Daniel Carr tells ABC11 it was important for him to march because he doesn't want the gun violence to get worse.
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"We came out to represent and that the black community need to raise up and stop the gun violence," Daniel Carr stated.



Children at the march had a message to the person responsible for Z'Yon's murder:

"It's very bad to kill people" and "Put the guns down."

Police say they are receiving tips but so far no arrests have been made.

A vigil for Z'Yon was also held in Durham Sunday evening.

Many family members were in attendance, including Z'Yon's mom.



Z'Yon will be laid to rest on Tuesday.



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