Durham police charge mother with shooting her 4-year-old child

Josh Shaffer

January 5, 2025 at 8:59 a.m.·1 min read

Durham police responded to a shooting call on East Weaver Street on Saturday afternoon and found a 4-year-old child with a serious gunshot wound.

Police in Durham charged a 24-year-old mother with shooting her 4-year-old child Saturday, sending the juvenile victim to the hospital in critical condition.

Vintasia Sowell was arrested on charges of felony child abuse and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. Her bail was set at $50,000.

Officers responded to the shooting on the 3000 block of East Weaver Street at roughly 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Police have not released details or say whether the shooting was accidental.

East Weaver Street is near the Hillside Park neighborhood off South Roxboro Street. The investigation continues.

Police ask anyone with information to contact Investigator M. Judy at 919-560-4440, ext. 29252, or Durham CrimeStoppers at www.durhamcrimestoppers.org or by calling 919-683-1200. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $2,000.

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