BURLINGTON, N.C. — A seven-year-old hit by a stray bullet in Burlington on Thursday has died, according to a family member.
The Burlington Police Department issued the following statement on the shooting:
"On Thursday night a 7-year-old little boy, sitting outside his apartment, was senselessly shot as a bystander. Today, we learned that his injuries were too severe to survive and he died this morning. Our deepest sympathies are with the family and everyone affected by this act of violence. We share the heartbreak of this news along with our community. As your police department, we are committed to holding those responsible for this crime accountable and the investigation to gather every available fact is ongoing. Our community needs every person who saw what happened to step forward, do what’s right, and contact the police department. Our hearts are with the family, and we promise to do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served."
The Burlington community is asking for prayers and a call to action to stop gun violence. A community organizer said there may be a vigil or gathering to honor the boy's life Sunday evening.
The boy was identified by family as seven-year-old Mason Jenkins. Police said he was in critical condition. WFMY News 2 heard from family Sunday morning who said he passed around 1 a.m.
Burlington police said they first got a call about a dispute and a single gunshot at Beaumont Avenue Apartments.
"This is a housing for people with kids and this is terrible," Burlington native Barbra Harvey said.
While on scene officers found out a child was shot. Police stress the child was not a target but a victim of a stray bullet.
"It is definitely an impact to the community," Harvey shared.
Police said the seven-year-old was hit in his upper body and airlifted to the hospital. After hearing the news, community members hosted a prayer circle to uplift the child's family.
Cathy Dixon is a local minister in the area, she helped encourage the family through faith.
"I got to meet his little sister and I put my arms around and told her to pray for her brother Mason," Dixon shared, "I taught her a prayer that God would touch him and heal him and deliver him and bring him out."
Police arrested 18-year-old Tremaine Armstrong and charged him with attempted murder. Investigators also arrested 21-year-old Kemontae Crosby and charged him for being an accessory in the shooting.
This is an ongoing investigation.
You can contact detectives directly at 336-229-3500 or submit anonymous tips to Alamance County Crime Stoppers at (336) 229-7100 or use the mobile app, P3 Tips.
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