Two people were found dead Tuesday night inside a Durham apartment in what police say appears to be a murder-suicide, near Duke University Hospital. Authorities identified the victims as 27-year-old Shakeva Dixon and 36-year-old Maurice Langston. Relatives told reporters the two had been in a relationship, shared children, and that Dixon had been attempting to separate.
Officers were called around 10 p.m. to the 2800 block of Crest Street, near Duke Hospital, where they found both adults with gunshot wounds. Police said both were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are treating the case as an apparent murder-suicide based on early findings, though the investigation remains active. ABC11 initially reported the incident.
Family Rallies For The Children
Relatives said the apartment belonged to Dixon and that she had moved there to provide her children with a fresh start. Family members told reporters that Dixon and Langston shared two daughters, and that Dixon had a third child from a previous relationship.
Dixon’s cousin, ShaRena Steeple, told WRAL that Dixon had been attempting to separate from Langston and wanted to focus on her role as a mother. Forensic investigators were observed marking evidence at the Crestview Apartments while police processed the scene, according to the outlet.
Police Ask For Tips
Durham police said detectives are continuing to investigate the incident and are asking anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Durham CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200. Residents can also contact the city’s non-emergency police line at 919-560-4600 for follow-up information. Official contact details are available on the Durham CrimeStoppers and City of Durham websites.
Wider Context For The Children
Family members said they currently have temporary custody of Dixon’s three children, a responsibility that can be both emotionally and logistically challenging after a domestic violence-related death. When relatives are unable to step in, the state’s foster care system often assumes care for children in crisis.
Recent data indicate that North Carolina has had roughly 11,000 children in foster care, highlighting the strain on the system when family placement is unavailable, according to North Carolina Health News. The family has also set up a GoFundMe to help support the children.
Help And Resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
Survivors seeking support can contact the Durham Crisis Response Center’s 24-hour helpline at 919-403-6562 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. The Durham Crisis Response Center also provides information on local services and assistance.
