DURHAM, NC – The Durham County Sheriff's Office has arrested a 19-year-old Durham man in connection with a shooting that seriously injured a juvenile in May.

On the night of May 28, deputies responded to a call in the 2900 block of Ellis Road. It was later determined that a dispute that began on social media had escalated, leading a group of young people to a home on the street. Investigators say that Jose Manuel Cantera Ortiz, who lives at the residence, shot a juvenile in the group outside the home. The victim was located at a nearby park and transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Ortiz has been charged with:

• Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury
• Altering/Stealing/Destroying Criminal Evidence

He was booked into the Durham County Detention Facility on a $25,000 secured bond. Ortiz has since posted bond and been released.

A booking photo of the suspect is below. 

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The following information was released on Wednesday, May 29, 2025 at 10:04 A.M.:Just after 9:00 P.M. on the evening of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, deputies from the Durham County Sheriff’s Office responded to an active disturbance involving gunfire at a home on the 2900 block of Ellis Rd. While responding, deputies were notified of a reported victim at a nearby park.  Patrol deputies, along with EMS, responded to the park and located a male victim with a gunshot wound to the torso. He was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. 

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and the Forensics unit responded to the Ellis Road address to conduct witness interviews and gather evidence. Their investigation continues today. The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.  Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call CID at 919-560-0880.

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The following information was released on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 11:27 P.M.

The  Durham County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting just after 9:00 PM this evening in the 2900 block of Ellis Rd. One person was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Their condition is unknown at this time. Investigators are on scene gathering evidence at this hour.  This appears to be an isolated incident.  More information will be released when appropriate.

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