Durham man admits guilt in 2023 killing of 5-year-old Khloe Fennell
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Brian Luster, the man accused of shooting and killing 5-year-old Khloe Fennell and injuring her then-15-year-old cousin, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.
Luster was charged with first-degree murder in 2023 after Khloe was shot and killed at a home on North Guthrie Avenue near Taylor Street in Durham.
According to family members, Khloe was at home with her 1-year-old cousin, Amir Deloach, and their 15-year-old cousin, Destiny Sidberry, who was babysitting them.
Investigators said an argument broke out between Luster and Sidberry. The two fought until Luster grabbed a gun and opened fire.
Family members said Sidberry used her body to shield the children from the gunfire. Khloe was killed, and Sidberry suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital.
The Durham Police Department said Luster was the shooter.
Khloe's mother, Brittney Dash, was at work when the shooting happened. Luster is Dash's first cousin and had been staying with the family as they tried to help him through his struggle with drug addiction. Loved ones said he was under the influence of drugs when he arrived at the home.
In the days after the shooting, community members gathered in downtown Durham for a vigil to honor Khloe's life and mourn the loss of the 5-year-old girl
Luster pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on Aug. 12 in Durham Superior Court. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 17.
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