Family of Durham grandmother killed by Fourth of July celebratory gunfire urges others not to fire guns
Celebratory gunfire on the Fourth of July took the life a Durham grandmother a year ago. Ahead of this holiday weekend, her family is begging people to put the guns down.
One bullet that fell from the sky struck and killed Paulette Thorpe on Burlington Avenue last Independence Day.
“It’s really mixed emotions," her nephew, Carlos Lyons, said of the upcoming holiday. "[It's] kind of like reliving everything all over again."
Thorpe was heading home that afternoon to avoid the fireworks and possible celebratory shootings when she was hit, Lyons said.
"She couldn’t even make it home that day because of gun violence,” said Herman Davenport, a close family friend.
“She was an icon. I just miss her because of this tragedy,” Davenport said. "It’s really hard to believe that, even to this day, that she’s gone behind this reason."
Durham police said they receive more calls on July 4 from people who hear gunfire than on any another day of the year. Thorpe's family is using their loss to warn others.
“Just be mindful. I know it’s not going to stop, but just be mindful," Lyons said. "What goes up has to come down. What happened to her didn’t have to happen."
“Paulette’s death was senseless," Davenport agreed. "I’m praying to God that people understand that her life meant something. I’m praying to God that people understand that it’s time for us to be responsible.
“I don’t want her death to be in vain,” he added.
Nearly a year after Thorpe's death, no one has been charged with firing the shot that killed her. Her family pleaded with the public to provide information that could lead to justice in the case.
“She’s already forgiven you, so if you think you might have had a part in it, just come forward," Lyons said. "My family doesn’t hate you. We are hurt, but we don’t hate you. We just want justice like any other family would."
The family plans to hold a balloon release on the Fourth of July to honor Thorpe’s life.
Anyone with any information about Thorpe's death is asked to call Durham police.
