The shooting happened Monday afternoon on Hoover Road. Police say 34-year-old Gary Tharrington was trying to break up a fight between two other teens when he was shot multiple times.
A witness tells ABC11 that the 14-year-old suspect was involved in a heated exchange with Tharrington and his children before shots were fired.
"It was shocking," Shamiya Richardson said.
Richardson said Tharrington's children ran to her home immediately after the gunfire.
Richardson said the violence is especially troubling because so many young people are involved.
Tharrington is being remembered as a devoted father with plans for the future. Police have not said whether he had any connection to the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing.
"Gary was just a good man," Richardson said.
Crime Concerns
"It's just a lot going on over here," she said.
According to Durham police, 12 people under 18 had been shot this year as of May 30, accounting for about 14% of all shooting victims in 2026.
Richardson said the numbers reflect the fear many families feel.
"You can't let them just go out, running around, playing like that, knowing there is people that can come through shooting at any moment," she said. "It's up to the parents to keep the kids inside the house."
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