Winston-Salem, NC – A fun Saturday night out with friends turned into every parent’s worst nightmare when 13-year-old De’Nori Deshawn McClellan was shot and killed inside a local bowling alley.
The shooting happened on November 15, 2025, around 9:33 p.m. at Creekwood Bowling Lanes on North Patterson Avenue.
Winston-Salem police officers rushed to the scene and found the young teenager suffering from a gunshot wound.
They immediately started life-saving measures until EMS arrived and took him to the hospital. Sadly, De’Nori did not survive.
On Monday, November 17, police officially identified the victim as De’Nori Deshawn McClellan, an eighth-grader who had just started dreaming about playing on his middle school basketball team.
Police say the shooting appears to be isolated and not a random act.
However, they are still asking anyone with information to come forward and call the Winston-Salem Police Department.
Those who knew De’Nori describe him as a quiet, respectful, and loving kid who was always ready to help others.
He loved video games, sports, and spending time with his friends and family. This school year, he had told his family he wanted to try out for the basketball team, a dream that will now never come true.
“He was everything to everybody who knew him,” one family member said. “He was the kind of kid who made you smile just by walking into the room.”
De’Nori leaves behind three siblings and a large extended family, now trying to figure out how to go on without him.
The sudden loss has also brought unexpected financial hardship.
The family is facing funeral costs, burial expenses, church fees, and remaining medical bills.
A GoFundMe titled “Help Lay Our Angel De’Nori Deshawn McClellan to Rest” has been set up by his older brother, Deshawn McClellan, with a goal of $2,800 to ease the burden during this painful time. Friends and strangers have already started donating and sharing the link.
Local rapper and online friends have flooded social media with tributes. Upcoming artist Mizta SneekyVill, who grew up with the family, posted:
“You know I have never asked for nothing… But if you are able please help my lil Bro Young Buck out in this tragic situation… R.I.P Nori rest up young.”
Via Facebook
The bowling alley has been closed since the shooting as police continue their investigation. No arrests have been announced yet.
De’Nori’s family says the pain of losing a child so young, and in such a senseless way, is impossible to put into words.
They are leaning on each other and the community while they prepare to say their final goodbyes to a little boy who still had his whole life ahead of him.
Rest in peace, De’Nori Deshawn McClellan. You were taken too soon, but you will never be forgotten.
