Deputies arrest suspect in fatal shooting north of Durham

Elaina Athans Image
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Arrest made in early morning Durham killing
David McKoy

DURHAM (WTVD) -- Folks working at the Mighty Commercial Center were startled at the beginning of their workday when they heard a car crash just outside the building. A few minutes, gunshots ran out.

"I think four," said Lee Beatrous.

One employee went to the front door of his business and saw a man running by with what he described as an assault rifle in his hand. That employee, who did not want to be identified, called 911.

The small business community went on lockdown as a precaution.

David Terrell McKoy
Durham County Sheriff's Office

Beatrous said, "There weren't too many people outside. I came out maybe 30 minutes after the incident."

Deputies arrived on Old Oxford Road to find a lifeless body lying on one side of the highway, and two crashed cars on the other.

The Durham County Sheriff's Office say 18-year-old Augustus Cornelius of Durham was shot and killed by 19-year-old David Terrell McKoy.

Authorities said there was a long-standing feud between the two teens, but would not explain how the wreck related to their ongoing investigation.

McKoy is charged with first degree murder. He is being held at the Durham County Detention Center.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Durham County Sheriff's Office at (919) 560-0900 or Durham CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. Durham CrimeStoppers offers rewards for information leading to an arrest in felony cases only. Anonymous information is accepted via email at crimetip@durhamsheriff.org.

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