Cannady Murder

Lead-in:

Police say the number of gang-related activities in Durham County is growing...and tonight, Lois Cannady's family wants to know if she was the latest target.

Package:

This 89-year-old Durham grandmother is one of Durham County's latest murder victims.
She lived in this house for more than 40 years...and most nights she slept with her door unlocked.
Family friend Chris says robbery was not the motive.

"She had cash visible. There was nothing in the house touched. They were there for one reason and one reason only."

Chris asked that we not show his face...but he thinks Mrs. Cannady is the latest victim of a gang initiation.

"It's sickening to think that somebody is telling these little kids they have to kill somebody to get into a gang."

Chris says someone first came to Mrs. Cannady's home early Wednesday morning...sprayed her with mace and stole her car.
Then late Wednesday night someone returned...entered through the back door and shot her.
Mrs. Cannady's son says some of the facts just don't add up.

"There was money in her purse...at the side of her bed. There was money in the freezer. None of it as touched. When you open the purse, there was money! My God, if I'm gonna kill somebody, I might as well get what money I can, too."

Tag:

For now, police are saying very little about the investigation.
They say they have no suspects...and they can't confirm any gang connections.
In the newsroom, Michael Handy, A-B-C 11 Eyewitness News