Durham police go door-to-door for leads on teen's death

Shakanah China was standing outside 7 Atka Court on May 10 when, witnesses told police, someone fired several shots from a green, older-model Ford Windstar or Chevrolet Astro van.

The van believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered, police said. No further information was released. 

Shakanah, a seventh-grader at Lakeview School in Durham, was taken to Duke University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police and members of the community will be canvassing the area Tuesday and Wednesday nights as well. 

"(We're collecting) a great deal of information on this case, as well as providing some comfort for the community," Capt. Paul Daye said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Durham Police Department at 919-560-4440 or Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.

A memorial fund has been established to help Shakanah's family with expenses. Donations can be made at any branch of the State Employees' Credit Union under the name of Diane Hanes.

The shooting wasn't the first in the neighborhood, which is off Holloway Street.

"If people are fed up about the situation, they need to come together as a family, a community because it is innocent kids that are dying," said Gary Billings, Shakanah's great-uncle.

In June 2009, a 16-year-old girl was injured under similar circumstances when she was shot in the back of the head while standing with several friends outside 8 Atka Court.

Police said the girl was an innocent victim, and they arrested a 17-year-old boy in that case.