Durham mayor again pushes for end to gun violence in wake of deadly shootings

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham police said Tuesday night turned into one of gun violence and officers are investigating two separate shootings that left two people dead, including a 17-year-old, and three others wounded.

In the first shooting, officers responded to a report of shots fired just before 10 p.m. near South Street and W. Umstead Street.

When they arrived, they found two people had been shot. A 17-year-old boy and a 63-year-old woman.

The boy was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Durham police said he is the 11th young person shot in the Bull City since January.

The woman told ABC11 she was cleaning her home when more than two dozen bullets were fired into her home. One of them hit her in her chest.

Incredibly, that wasn't the only shooting in Durham on Tuesday night. Hours later, a 51-year-old man was shot and killed across the street from Club Boulevard Elementary School.

"You can just tell the look on parents' faces when they're walking up," first year teacher Brittany Edwards said. "They're holding their kids a little tighter. They don't want to drop off and leave. Some are lingering.

In total, three men were shot on West Club Boulevard. Thomas Holloway Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene. The others were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

SEE ALSO | Escalating gun violence rocks Durham; 'We have to do more,' mayor says

Durham Mayor Leo Williams is fed up with the violence. He said he's launching a task force this summer to utilize business owners and mentors to target Black men and boys this summer.

"There can be wars around the world and in America, but what we're dealing with is on the streets of Durham. We've had 10 shootings in the last two weeks -- all (involving) Black (people)," Williams said.

Williams is now calling on parents to feel responsible and get in front of potential issues before it's too late.

"Listen, if you've lost control of your child, talk to someone. If you need, send an email to the Mayor's Office. Send an email, but please don't wait until the end," he said.

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