ABC11 exclusive: Family of Durham pastor shot to death speaks out
DURHAM (WTVD) -- The family of a Durham Pastor shot and killed Saturday spoke exclusively to ABC11. They said Pastor Jamie Daniels was very passionate about his uplifting, saving lives and mentoring young people.
Saturday morning, Durham police found Daniels' lifeless body off Dunbar Street with a gunshot wound.
Daniels' sister Monica Alston is asking the killer, 'why?'
"I'm angry and I'm hurt because they don't realize what they have done," Alston said. "They've taken away a prize from us that we'll never get back. Over what? Over what?"
Jerail Williams said Daniels helped him become a better person.
"Jamie taught me so much," he explained. "He always taught me how to act like a young man and that it's okay to be saved and be young and have fun with some friends."
On Sunday, someone put down a single balloon and flowers where the 33-year-old pastor was killed.
Alston says Daniels did not have family or friends who lived off Dunbar Street.
The motive is not clear. The Durham Police Department is investigating the shooting as a homicide.
"He didn't deserve this. He didn't deserve to die like this!" Alston said.
Daniels was the co-pastor at his mother's church -- Divine Grace Worship Center. It's where loved ones say Daniels followed his life's calling.
His death opens up new calls for peace and justice in a community seeing yet another senseless shooting.
"It's not worth it. Please let's come together," Alston said. "The violence has to stop."
Family members of Daniels are ready to forgive the shooter - they are pleading for the person to come forward.
Call Durham police if you have information. There's a cash reward for anonymous tips that lead to an arrest.
The family will hold a celebration of life service Friday evening from 7-9p.m. at Markham Chapel Missionary Baptist Church - 3600 Old Chapel Hill Road in Durham.
The funeral will be held at the church on Saturday at 1p.m. (Visitation is from 12-1p).
