Durham anti-violence group speaks out after 13-year-old girl shot

Family members of the girl shot Wednesday morning say she is home from the hospital after being shot in the leg.

Video Transcript

TIM PULLIAM: The girl is home from the hospital after being shot in the leg.

The aftermath of the shooting is disturbing. This 13-year-old girl being wheeled from her home by Durham EMS, suffering from a gunshot wound. At the time, she was lying in her bed.

RENITA SHAW: When I found out, I was like, "Are you serious? Come on. Like, no! No!"

TIM PULLIAM: Renita Shaw knows the impact of gun violence too well. On August 31 last year, her 20-year-old son Almon died from a single gunshot wound at the Extended Stay off Highway 55. His killer is still out there. Shaw tells me she hurts every day.

RENITA SHAW: Sometimes it makes you want to lash out, cry. Sometimes I want to run away.

TIM PULLIAM: Take a look at the latest number of shootings in Durham over the last three months compared to this time last year. The number of people shot, both fatal and non-fatal, are similar to 2020's numbers. Behind each statistic a grieving family.

Shaw co-founded the group Guns Down Hearts Up to combat the problem and the perpetrators.

RENITA SHAW: How can we stop what you're doing? How can we give you a whole different path?

TIM PULLIAM: Is that the motivation of your group?

RENITA SHAW: Yes.

TIM PULLIAM: Durham Police says currently it's making officers more visible in crime-prone neighborhoods. Its Violent Crime Taskforce is focused on shootings, partnering with the Intelligence and Gang Unit, as well as community partners.

DPD is also offering a cash reward for strong tips.

Tonight, the person who shot the 13-year-old girl is still on the run.

RENITA SHAW: Turn yourself in. Get help. Because you're gonna lead yourself on to destruction.

Tim Pulliam, ABC11 Eyewitness News.