Twanda Shant’e Parker was killed by gunfire in downtown Durham in the early hours of November 5, 2023. Police found the 24-year-old near the intersection of West Morgan Street and Watts Street at about 12:45 a.m.; she was taken to a hospital and died of her wounds. No arrests have been announced.

Known as Lil Mama, Twanda was born September 6, 1999, and raised in Durham. She attended Durham Public Schools and worked at Duke Medical Center. Family and friends remember her for a radiant smile, love of dancing, and devotion to her 2-year-old son, Zyeir, who had already lost his father, Blake Burnette, to gun violence in July 2022.

The Durham Police Department is investigating and asks anyone with information to contact Investigator B. Garth at 919-560-4440 ext. 29313 or CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200. If anyone knew Twanda or witnessed the shooting, please come forward with information.