'Over in 5 seconds': Boy, 9, dies at hospital after drive-by shooting in Durham

The fatal shooting occurred Sunday before 9 p.m. near the intersection of Duke Street and Leon Street. Durham police said two boys, ages nine and eight, were driven to a local hospital in a private car.

The 9-year-old, identified as Z'yon Person, died at the hospital. The 8-year-old suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his arm, police said.

Sam Rose witnessed the shooting, which happened right in front of her home.

"We heard about 15 shots when it happened," she said. "I saw what I thought was a motorcycle backfiring...and they were right in a row, clearly traveling down the street. It was terrifying. It was probably over in about five seconds."

Police believe the children were shot while traveling in a Ford Escape. The suspects, believed to be traveling in a burgundy Honda Accord with tinted windows, fired multiple shots into the boys' car, police said.

"I think that we shouldn’t have guns period," said Rose. "I just don’t see any point in which children should be dying. It’s our job to protect them. And allowing guns into the hands of those is definitely not doing that."

Investigators do not believe the shooting was a random act.

"The Durham Police Department extends condolences to the family of Z'yon Person,” said Chief C.J. Davis. “This is another act of senseless violence that simply must be stopped and we are working aggressively to identify the people involved."

Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Cramer at 919-560-4440, ext. 29284, or Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.