Durham police release new info about multiple shooting

Police initially said 10 people were wounded, but on Monday, Chief Jose Lopez said the correct number is eight. Two of the eight people suffered serious injuries, he said. The victims included seven men and one woman, all from Durham, ranging in age from 19 to 45 years old.

Six were taken to Duke University Hospital, and two to Durham Regional Hospital.

Police also said on Sunday that witnesses told them that some unidentified people in a vehicle opened fire at the house at 1102 Delano St. On Monday, Lopez said officers are not sure if the shooter or shooters were standing around or in a vehicle. The crowd numbered about 70 people at the time of the shooting.

Crime scene investigators recovered a handgun about a block away from the house, which was being used as a "liquor house," according to Lopez. "Liquor house" is slang for a place that sells and serves liquor without a license or permit.

“I'm hopeful that this sends a message to individuals who would want to frequent such an unlicensed entertainment location not to do so because it does breed a lot of criminal activity,” Lopez said.

There is no indication that the shooting was gang-related, Lopez added.

Investigators have not determined a motive or developed information about suspects. 

Durham Mayor Bill Bell said solving the case is a high priority.

“Just the audacity that someone would come and do something like this, it's unconscionable and something the city cannot allow,” Bell said.

Residents say people who live in the house where the shooting happened hold a lot of parties. The shooting has some of them concerned about the safety of the area.

“Because we still don't know what's happening out here, and there's children out here, it's just bad for the community,” resident Creshia Roberts said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases, and callers never have to identify themselves.