16-year-old shot in Durham

Family members identified the victim as Delonta Hart, a student at Northern High School who relatives and friends say is well liked.

"I didn't believe it because I wouldn't know why anyone would want to mess with him out of all people," said Keriyan Allen, a classmate.

Hart was shot near the Two Brothers Convenience Store. 

It was unclear if there was an altercation before the shooting. Neighbors and witnesses said they believe Hart was shot during a drive-by shooting and that he was shot in the head.

Durham Police Chief Jose Lopez said investigators are following strong leads but also urged for the public's help.

"I'm certain there are people out here in this community who know exactly what happened here and who is responsible and we're hopeful that they're going to come out and contact us," he said.

Allen said Hart was someone who kept other students in line. Now, he's not looking forward to the next few days of school.

"It's going to be rough," he said. "I can't talk for everybody else. But for me, it's going to be rough."

Grief counselors will be on standby Tuesday for any students who need to talk with someone.

Lopez said law enforcement and the community have been partners in solving crimes like this and hopes this incident is no different.

"I'm hopeful that the outrage about this violence really starts because we've been hearing a lot of outrage in this country for the past several months," he said. "That outrage really has to turn to the outrage of violence in this city."

No arrests were made as of Monday night.