Recent string of Chapel Hill shootings have residents on edge
It has been a violent start to 2023 in Chapel Hill. Last year, the town had six shootings, five of them were deadly.
Two weeks into the new year, the town has had three shootings, two of them deadly.
Chapel Hill Police Chief Celisa Lehew emphasized the three shootings this year are not connected.
"I think it's important for our community to know that we have not found that these are random incidents," Lehew said. "These are isolated incidents."
Police are investigating a homicide after finding a body on Thursday at Heritage Circle near the Chapel Ridge Apartment Complex.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill junior Katie Houser, who lives in the complex, told WRAL News the recent shootings have her on edge.
"I am going home this weekend. I'm kind of scared honestly." Houser said. "This would've been uneasy for a little bit, but [it's] because there was another shooting in Chapel Hill in the same week. I think it'll die down, obviously, but I'm just a little concerned right now."
On Monday night, another homicide happened, this one on South Estes Drive. Earlier that afternoon, there was a road rage shooting on Highway 54.
Both homicide victims were not from Orange County, and have been identified as K'son Thorpe from Oxford and Marcus Smith from Durham.
No arrests have been made in any of the three cases.
Lehew said investigators are currently putting the facts together.
"There are times that these crimes spike and understandably so," Lehew said. "Me, as a member of the community, it raises concerns."
In addition to the investigation, Lehew said police will be increasing visibility of the police in Chapel Hill.
"You'll see our crisis units out in these areas and definitely [an] increase in patrols," Lehew said.
Police are also asking residents to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
"Be calm, be aware of your surroundings and what's around you," Lehew said. "Don't hesitate to call for help. We are here and available and will respond."
Chapel Hill Police are asking anyone with information in relation to the homicides to call 911, the Chapel Hill Police Department at 919-968-2760 or Chapel Hill-Carrboro-UNC CrimeStoppers at 919-942-7515.
