In the early hours of September 10, 2023, Durham police responded to reports of a shooting in the 100 block of Hunt Street, near North Mangum Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered 23-year-old Romero Eathel Bent suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency Medical Services transported Bent to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigations revealed that Bent had been attending a party on Hunt Street at the time of the shooting. Authorities believe that several attendees fled the scene before police arrived. The Durham Police Department has since reached out to the public, urging anyone who attended the party or possesses information about the incident to come forward. They have also requested that individuals with photos or videos from the event share them with investigators.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and no suspects are in custody. The police have indicated that the incident appears to be isolated. They continue to seek assistance from the community to gather information that could lead to identifying and apprehending the perpetrator(s). Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Investigator J. Turner at (919) 560-4440 ext. 29532 or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200.
In the wake of this tragedy, Bent's twin brother, Rasaun, initiated a fundraiser to cover funeral expenses. He described Romero as a great person who was outspoken, outgoing, and loved by many. A graduate of Hillside High School in 2019, Romero was a manager at McDonald's and enjoyed playing basketball with DBL. His favorite sports teams were the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Durham Police Department continues to investigate the case, urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in bringing justice for Romero Bent and his family.
