22-year-old shot to death near Western Blvd., second person shot only a few blocks away

Within the span of an hour, two different men were shot within a few blocks of each other in Raleigh.

Around 11:49 p.m. on Saturday night, Raleigh police responded to a reported shooting at the intersection of Sherman Avenue and Clanton Street.

When they arrived, they found a man with serious injuries from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital.

The victim was later identified as Joris Cooper, 22. He died at the hospital as a result of his injuries, and his death is being investigated as a homicide.

Lewis Williams, who lives near the first shooting scene. said the shooting woke him up and he saw the aftermath. Williams said he saw Cooper's girlfriend crying over his body.

"We've seen each other in passing a couple times," he said. "This is the first instance of knowing someone who has been involved in a shooting like this that I've had. It hasn't really set in yet."

North Carolina State University Police is assisting with the investigation. At this time, no arrest has been made.

Around an hour later at 12:50 a.m., Raleigh police responded to another reported shooting at the intersection of Gorman Street and Sherman Avenue.

Once again, officers found a man with serious injuries from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital. Neighbors said while they feel unsafe in the neighborhood, the second shooting was a surprise.

"Usually, if there are shootings, they aren't seemingly coordinated," Williams said. "The fact that there were two so close by makes me feel like something was going on. that was bigger than just a one-on-one argument or engagement."

North Carolina State University Police is assisting with this investigation as well.

The identity of the second victim has not been released.

It is not yet known if the two shootings are related.

Anyone who believes they may have information that might assist the investigation is asked to visit Crimestoppers at www.p3tips.com/89 for anonymous reporting options or call 919-996-1193.