GREENSBORO, N.C. — Everyone is family along Blackmoor Road and surrounding streets in Greensboro, neighbors say. For them, this Independence Day is a tough one because the glue that held everyone together was shot minutes before the holiday.
Neighbors say Theressa Johnson just finished watching fireworks near her house, when she, 21-year-old Chestani Jones, and a three-year-old were shot.
Police say Johnson and Jones both died. The three-year-old was hurt but is doing okay.
"Kind of scary like because who would do something like that? Especially with a child," said a neighbor.
People in the area woke up to the sound of sirens and police cars as officers investigated.
"When I woke up, it was lights flashing everywhere. The house was lit up!" said one woman who lives in the area.
Neighbors say they don't believe the three people were targeted in the shooting.
Family and friends are gathering around Johnson's home Tuesday morning. One of Johnson's daughters said the 66-year-old recently had a birthday.
Daren M. has lived in the area for most of his life. He said he just left Johnson's house right before the shooting happened.
"She would look out for anybody. She would give you money when you've got to catch the bus or whatever you've got to do. She'll give it to you when she got it," he said.
He recalls leaving Johnson's house, turning the corner, heading home when the shots went off, he thought they were fireworks.
Daren M. says he used to visit Johnson every day.
"We're missing the heart of the community right now and that's the truth. We're missing the heart, we don't know whether to celebrate or to you know what I mean, it's that deep," he explained.
He also said, he was supposed to go to a 4th of July party at Johnson's house. Instead, he will spend the day mourning the loss of a loved one.