DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — More than two dozen family, friends, and coworkers said goodbye to London Powers, a junior at North Carolina Central University, who was shot and killed at an apartment in Durham.
London was pursuing a degree in social work and was due to start an internship at the Durham Senior Center.
Her friend Shiann Boyd shared with ABC11 how London’s empathy and care were contagious.
“She was the light in every room; she was such a positive person, making light of every situation,” said Boyd.
London Powers’ mother, Tia Powers, was in town from Washington, D.C., and was surrounded on Thursday evening by her daughter’s extended family.
“I really appreciate it, everybody here. She love you all. Love you all tremendously,” said Tia Powers.
Tia told ABC11 she wanted her daughter back home almost a month ago after London said her ex-boyfriend Damien Tinsely was violent toward her and fired a gun, which grazed her.
She said London filed a protective order, found a new apartment, and was in the midst of moving out, when Tinsely showed up at the apartment they shared unannounced, killed London, and took his own life.
“When they tell you they are going to harm you, get gone. He’s not worth it,” said Tia.
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With this incident and another murder suicide in Cary last week, Nisha Williams with the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence said domestic violence cases are rising.
“It’s important that we know that domestic violence does not discriminate against any person, regardless of their immigration status, regardless of their race, or their gender, or their socioeconomic status, or their religion. It can impact as young as folks who are in teen relationships, as well as folks who have been married for decades,” said Williams.
Williams wants all victims to connect with a domestic violence group to help create an escape plan.
“They (Courts) can provide a sheriff escort with them as they go to remove the belongings from the home. This usually happens, though, after a restraining order has been filed. But again, folks don’t know what resources exist unless we are able to share it with them,” said Williams.
There is even more sense of urgency if the abuser has a weapon.
“When people have access to firearms, firearms can cause so much damage in seconds. And again, we don’t know if that was something that happened in a fit of rage or something that was preplanned,” said Williams.
London’s family and friends hope her story can save a life.
“I want people to remember her as being a beautiful soul inside and out, like she was such a good, genuine person, “said Boyd.
Durham, Wake, and Orange counties are among the many counties that have resources and shelters available.
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