Durham girl celebrates 6th birthday after recovering from gunshot wound
Despite being shot just days earlier in her Durham neighborhood, a little girl celebrated her sixth birthday on Saturday, surrounded by loved ones and laughter.
"It's a blessing. It feels great. She's enjoying herself," Jessyca Dunkins, mother of victim said.
Dunkins says her daughter Madison, also known as Maddie, who was shot in the leg, is doing well and on the mend.
This birthday is extra special because Maddie may not have made it to the age of 6 at all.
"It was stressful and hectic. My mind was everywhere; it was just a lot going on," Dunkins said.
Dunkins said her bubbly girl had just gotten off the school bus Tuesday when bullets started flying.
"They didn't even get the chance to put the book bags down," Dunkins said.
Maddie's road to recovery, both physical and mental, has begun. Dunkins shared a video of her using a walker during her healing process.
"At first, she was a little down, but then, towards the coming home, she got in good spirits. Her teachers came to see her, her principals," Dunkins said.
The shooting occurred around 2:52 p.m. near the Oxford Manor Apartments, a Durham Housing Authority complex north of downtown. Police spent hours investigating the scene but haven't made an arrest.
Madison and a 16-year-old boy were shot and injured.
Authorities believe someone in a passing vehicle shot at them.
Dunkins created a GoFundMe to help with her daughter's medical expenses.
Maddie’s family wants justice and to not have live fearing for their safety.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact the Durham Police Department at 919-560-4440 ext. 29252 or CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200.
