Durham Police investigate after 16-year-old shot and killed

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham Police said Wednesday that the victim in a shooting Tuesday night was a teenager.

The shooting happened shortly after 7:30 p.m. in the 1500 block of Sima Avenue just south of the Durham Freeway near Burton Park and Durham Tech.

Police said the victim was a 16-year-old boy. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A growing memorial stands where the shooting took place along with a wooden heart with the words, "Long Live Reggie," etched in the center.

"Another mother with this pain that myself and others have been fighting for years," said Sheryl Smith.

She's a long-time advocate working to end gun violence. It's a passion birthed from pain. Smith's son, Todd was shot and killed in 2005.

"People think you're supposed to move on and just get on with your life. That never happened. That's not gonna never ever happen. You got to relive this trauma over and over every year. You got to remember the days your child was taken from you. When the incident happened. Then you got to remember, you gotta go through the holidays," continued Smith.

She's heartbroken by the news of another death. Smith said more resources should be made available for teens in Durham, and the emphasis should be placed on community centers and trade schools.

"The problem is, these children really don't have anything to do. I mean, I know they say programs, some programs out there, but somebody shouldn't have to leave their community to get to these places. I mean, we already see what happens with every time a child has to leave their community, something happens."

Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator B. Paulhus at (919) 560-4440 extension 28136 or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards of up to $2,000 for information leading to arrests in felony cases and callers never have to identify themselves.