Durham police investigating after man found dead behind house

DURHAM (WTVD) -- Durham police are conducting a death investigation in the 2800 block of Ashe Street, which also led to an hours-long standoff Sunday.

The incident started around 6:30 p.m. when officers said they found a man dead behind a house.

Police said they were looking into the possibility of someone barricaded inside, and had the house surrounded for hours. Neighbors were also asked to evacuate.

The standoff ended just before midnight when a Durham SWAT team busted into the home using flash bang grenades.

Before that, officials used a tactical vehicle to break a window allowing officers to throw a cell phone in so someone inside could communicate.

After no response, police went in, but there was nobody in the home.

Monday, police said the dead man was shot to death. Wednesday, they identified him as 20-year-old Nicholas Bell.

Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator J. Barr at (919) 560-4440, ext. 29325 or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200.