Denzel Holloway, a 27-year-old African American male, was tragically killed on July 12, 2017, in Durham, North Carolina. The incident occurred near Rockwood Park, in the 2300 block of Whitley Drive. Holloway was found dead in a wooded area at approximately 5:40 p.m. following a shooting. The shooting also left his cousin, Sadontae’ Holloway, a 17-year-old African American male, injured with a gunshot wound to his hip.
Neighbors reported hearing half a dozen gunshots, and the crime scene appeared out of place in the normally quiet neighborhood.
The Durham police confirmed that the shooting was not random, but they did not disclose what might have led to it. Initially, no suspects were in custody, and the police were searching for leads. The incident marked the 14th homicide in Durham that year. Authorities urged anyone with information to contact Durham Police or Crime Stoppers.
Subsequently, two teenage boys were charged in connection with the shooting. A 15-year-old boy was charged with murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. Tyrece Jaquail Pettiford, a 16-year-old African American male, was also charged with murder, attempted murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm by a minor. Pettiford was already in custody at the Durham County Jail on robbery and weapons charges brought by the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. The charges stemmed from the events of July 12, when 911 callers reported seeing two teens chasing and appearing to shoot a person.
The investigation into Denzel Holloway's death highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the community. Neighbors expressed their sadness and concern over the tragic event, which disrupted the peace of their neighborhood. The police continued to seek any photos or videos captured in the area at the time of the shooting to aid in their investigation.
