James B. Murray Jr., an 18-year-old African American male from Kernersville, North Carolina, was tragically shot and killed on March 17, 2019, at Washington Terrace Park in High Point, North Carolina. The incident occurred when multiple shots were fired from an elevated position, striking Murray and a 13-year-old girl who was also present at the park.
The girl sustained a gunshot wound to her leg and was treated at a hospital before being released.
The shooting is believed to have been the result of a confrontation between two gangs. However, there is no evidence to suggest that James B. Murray Jr. or the 13-year-old girl were intended targets or involved in gang activity. The park ranger who discovered Murray attempted life-saving measures, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful.
Investigations revealed that before the shooting, several individuals were playing basketball on the courts inside the park. Witnesses reported seeing two men standing behind a tree on a hill near Boundary Avenue. Shots were fired from the hill towards the basketball court, and someone on the basketball court returned fire. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, multiple people fled.
The High Point Police Department conducted a flyer response in the surrounding streets to gather more information about the incident. They identified some of the individuals present during the shooting, many of whom were known to be involved in gang activity. Despite these efforts, no arrests or suspects have been publicly reported in connection with the death of James B. Murray Jr. as of now.
