JaVaun DeVaunta Graves, a 20-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on June 11, 2015, in Durham, North Carolina. The incident occurred during a two-day spree of gun violence in the city. Graves was found injured in the 700 block of Atlantic Street following an argument. He was taken to Duke University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after.
The shooting did not appear to be random, according to investigators.
In the aftermath of the incident, a 21-year-old man named Anthony Peaks Jr. was arrested and charged with the murder of JaVaun DeVaunta Graves. Peaks was also served with outstanding warrants for possession of stolen goods, possession of marijuana, and obtaining property by false pretense. He remained in the Durham County jail under no bond. The arrest provided some closure to the community and the family of Graves, who were deeply affected by the loss.
The family of JaVaun DeVaunta Graves held a prayer vigil in his honor on the first anniversary of his death. The vigil took place at 706 Atlantic Street, Durham, NC, and was attended by friends, family, and community members who gathered to remember and celebrate his life. The tragic death of JaVaun DeVaunta Graves serves as a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence on communities and the importance of addressing the root causes of such incidents.
