On Monday, Durham mourned the loss of a promising young woman who was killed in a tragic shooting last week. Ja’tavia Daye, a 21-year-old innocent bystander, was shot and killed near Guess Road and Broad Street in Durham on May 28. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, she passed away from her injuries just two days later.
Daye’s uncle, Quincy Wright, shared that his niece had a contagious smile that brought joy to all those who knew her. She was always seeking to bring out the best in people and had a bright future ahead of her. However, that future was cut short when she became an innocent victim of gun violence.
The police are treating Daye’s death as a homicide and are currently investigating the incident. According to recent data from the Durham Police Department, there has been a troubling trend of gun violence in the city this year. So far, 102 individuals have been shot and 19 firearm-related deaths have been reported in Durham for 2024. The community continues to grapple with the impact of these tragedies as families mourn the loss of their loved ones and demand answers to why senseless acts of violence continue to occur.
Wright had a message for the perpetrator responsible for Daye’s death: “Do the right thing and turn yourself in.” He urged them to come forward and take responsibility for their actions. Daye’s passing has left her family and friends questioning why such senseless violence continues to plague our communities today.
In conclusion, Ja’tavia Daye’s tragic death serves as a reminder that even young lives can be cut short by gun violence. As we continue to mourn her loss, it is important to demand change at both local and national levels so that everyone can live safely without fear of becoming another statistic in this ongoing crisis.
