Pamela Shanks, 68, was sitting on the back porch of her Gastonia, North Carolina townhome on October 19 when a stray bullet ended her life. Police say she was not the intended target and that the shooting may have grown out of a dispute between other people in the neighborhood. Neighbors reported hearing multiple shots and seeing young people in black clothing run from the scene. As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests had been made.
Investigators roped off a large portion of the Dwell Townhomes complex, including the playground. Her niece, who asked not to be identified, said half her heart felt folded. She said she just wants the people responsible to understand there are consequences behind what they do.
For anyone who has ever lingered on a porch with coffee or a grandkid, this story cuts close. A porch is supposed to be the safest square of ground a person owns. Have you ever changed your evening routine over safety worries? Let us know in the comments.
