Man killed in Durham home invasion remembered as someone who gave back to community
DURHAM (WTVD) -- In 25 years, North Carolina Central University head track and field coach Michael Lawson has seen talent come and go, but seldom has he seen it stick around like 29-year-old Shareef Abdul Muhammad.
"I just saw him a couple of weeks ago, and he said, 'Coach I'm coming back close to you. I want to come out on the track and help you out,'" said Lawson.
It's what makes the New Jersey native's untimely death so tragic.
Police say they responded to a shooting around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday at a home in the 1300 block of Rosewood Street, just east of Central's campus. When they arrived, they found Muhammad shot to death inside.
According to investigators, two unidentified men wearing hoodies and armed with guns forced their way into the house and tried to rob the residents inside. Muhammad was shot during the fight.
No charges have been filed at last report.
At NCCU, Muhammed was motivated, hardworking, and eager to learn. Those traits earned him all-American status in the 400 meters hurdles during his tenure from 2003-07.
"He just listened, and he just would do whatever it took to get better," said Lawson. "At least the life he lived now, he did give back, and he gave it back to the youth."
Muhammed was a well-liked and widely known coach with the Triangle Champions Track and Field Club in Durham, paying it forward by pushing them to be better.
"He always pushed me to be great and not average. That's one thing he always made sure that I knew," said track team member Chauncey Caldwell.
Anyone with information about the murder is asked to call Investigator M. Evans at (919) 560-4440, ext. 29336 or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200.
