Ian Wells was a 15-year-old freshman at Person High School who was shot at a BP gas station on Alston Avenue in Durham on April 4, 2021 and died the next day at a hospital. After an initial shooting he got into his sister’s minivan and tried to drive away but was shot again, crashing near Angier and Alston Avenue. He was described by his sister Imani Taborn as caring and helpful and was the youngest of six siblings.

Investigators say the attack was set up through Instagram: Ian had been communicating with a male juvenile about prices and a meeting at the gas station. Surveillance footage reportedly shows two males leaving a dark sedan, approaching where Ian’s car was parked, running back to the sedan, then returning to intercept Ian as he drove off. Prosecutors say the juvenile conspired with others to make Ian think they were selling a handgun magazine while intending to rob him and steal the firearm.

Two teenagers were later convicted and sentenced to at least 14 years. Ian’s mother, Karen Wells, has called for better resources to prevent youth gun violence. Does anyone have information about Ian or the meeting that night that could help fill gaps in the timeline?