On January 5, 2023, 16-year-old Craig Andre Curtis Jr. tragically lost his life in Raleigh, North Carolina, due to an accidental shooting involving a high-powered rifle, specifically an AR-15.
The incident occurred at his mother's residence on Harmony Court in the Nottingham Woods neighborhood. In the aftermath, Raleigh police apprehended a male juvenile suspect, who was subsequently charged with involuntary manslaughter through a juvenile petition.
The suspect was released from custody and placed under home monitoring.
Craig Jr., a student at Enloe High School, had recently celebrated his 16th birthday. He was remembered by his family as a joyful individual who loved to laugh. In honor of his memory, over 50 people, including family and friends, gathered at Biltmore Hills Park for a balloon release ceremony. During the event, his sisters released green, silver, and white balloons, shouting "Long live Craig" as a tribute to their beloved brother.
In the wake of this tragedy, Craig Jr.'s father, Craig Curtis Sr., expressed profound grief and called for an end to gun violence, emphasizing the devastating impact it has on families and communities. He questioned how such firearms are accessible to teenagers and urged for greater measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Raleigh Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Craig Jr.'s death, treating it as a homicide. This incident has highlighted concerns about juvenile access to firearms and the importance of safe storage practices to prevent such tragedies.
