On March 21, 2023, in Durham, North Carolina, 16-year-old Osmar Burgos Banegas was tragically shot and killed. The incident unfolded around 10:30 p.m. when officers responded to a report of a juvenile male being shot in the 1200 block of Leon Street. The victim's parents transported him to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries; he was later reported in stable condition. During the investigation, this victim informed officers about the possibility of two additional victims.
A search ensued, involving drones and a cadaver dog, leading to the discovery of the bodies of Osmar and another 16-year-old boy, Angel Caneles Quintana, near the intersection of Hudson Avenue and North Buchanan Boulevard around 8:00 a.m. on March 22.
The Durham Police Department arrested 18-year-old Jorge Raul Benitez-Mendoza later that day in connection with the shootings. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Osmar and Angel, and one count of attempted first-degree murder for the surviving victim. Benitez-Mendoza was booked into the Durham County Detention Facility without bond. Family members of the victims indicated that the three teens were friends, though the exact nature of their relationships remains unclear.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Osmar's family and friends remembered him as a protective, bubbly, and genuine individual with a golden heart. A GoFundMe campaign was organized by Mercy Diaz to support the family during this difficult time. The community mourned the loss of two young lives, prompting discussions among local leaders about addressing youth violence and the availability of firearms. Durham City Council members emphasized the need for investment in mentorship and intervention programs to prevent such tragedies in the future.
