On March 14, 2023, at approximately 5 p.m., 23-year-old Mario Canseco Lopez was fatally shot outside a Subway sandwich shop located in the 3600 block of Hillsborough Road near Cole Mill Road in Durham, North Carolina. After being shot, Lopez managed to run to a nearby tobacco and vape shop, where he collapsed. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
In the aftermath of the incident, Durham Police initiated an investigation that led to the arrest of three juveniles. Two 15-year-olds and one 17-year-old were charged with second-degree murder in connection with Lopez's death. Additionally, the 17-year-old and one of the 15-year-olds faced charges of felony conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, while the other 15-year-old was charged with attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon. All three were held in secure custody at a juvenile detention facility.
Authorities also sought a fourth suspect in connection with the shooting. Surveillance images of this individual were released to the public in an effort to gather information leading to an arrest. The investigation remained active as police continued to pursue leads to apprehend the remaining suspect.
The area surrounding the crime scene, particularly the intersection of Hillsborough Road and Cole Mill Road, had experienced multiple violent incidents in the months leading up to Lopez's death, prompting increased police patrols to address and deter criminal activity.
The tragic death of Mario Canseco Lopez underscored concerns about youth involvement in violent crimes within the community. Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews expressed alarm over the increasing involvement of juveniles in such incidents, highlighting the trauma experienced by young individuals exposed to violence.
