Durham police seek leads in fatal drive-by shooting

Paul Jones was found shot to death in the middle of Scout Drive early on Nov. 16.

Jones' landlord said the 53-year-old was outside when someone drove by and opened fire, killing him. The landlord said he believes Jones was shot accidentally.

Investigators said a white pickup was reported leaving the scene.

Police Chief Jose Lopez said his department has some leads in Jones' death, but investigators hope to get more clues by going out into the community and asking for help.

"We have individuals who are not going to be forthcoming going out to the police when these types of things occur because they're concerned for their safety," Lopez said. "Sometimes, individuals don't think that what they know is important, and it gives us an opportunity to get to that, and that may be the small little piece that connects all the dots."

The canvass, which Lopez said police try to do following most homicides, also helps dispel rumors in the community and show that police are interested in solving the case, he said.

Durham native Walter Jackson, a board member of the Committee on the Affairs of Black People, said it will take more than police work to reduce the city's murder rate, which is up 47 percent from last year.

"The police can't solve the problem of crime alone. It's going to take a broad effort," Jackson said.

The Committee on the Affairs of Black People and the Durham Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance are planning two listening sessions next month for the community to try to gauge what people living in Durham think should be done to reduce crime. A Dec. 8 session will be held at the committee's headquarters, at 601 Fayetteville St., while the location of the Dec. 15 session hasn't been set.

"This is the city that I love, and I want to be a part of the solution to this problem," Jackson said. "Enough is enough."

Anyone with information about Jones' shooting can call Durham Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.