Two Young Lives Cut Short In Hillsborough Double Homicide, Leaving The Community In Grief

HILLSBOROUGH, NC — A small North Carolina community is in mourning after two young lives were tragically taken in a double homicide early Monday morning (Dec. 30). Hillsborough Police discovered 16-year-old Zikera Wardlow and 20-year-old De’Anthony Letrelle Morgan shot to death inside and near a Dodge Charger on Cardinal Drive, close to Interstate 85.

A Devastating Discovery

Officers responded to a report of gunshots at 6:40 a.m. and found shattered glass marking the scene. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire Sunday night, but the bodies weren’t discovered until the next morning by a passerby. Wardlow, a high school sophomore, was found outside the vehicle, while Morgan, a community college student, was inside.

Remembering Zikera “Z” Wardlow

Affectionately known as “Z,” Wardlow was a basketball standout at Discovery Charter School in Durham. Family and friends recall her as a bright, talented athlete with dreams of playing basketball in college.

“She had a career ahead of her,” said family friend Sharin Murphy. “She beat everyone on the court, male or female. She was always smiling, always full of joy.”

Wardlow’s family last saw her Sunday evening when she left to grab food. “She went to Bojangles to get something to eat and never returned,” said her cousin, Quiana Edwards.

Her former school, Cedar Ridge High, and Discovery Charter School both released statements honoring her memory. Discovery Charter described her as “a bright, kind, respectful, and valued member of our school community.” Cedar Ridge announced plans for a moment of silence during Friday’s basketball game in her honor.

De’Anthony Morgan’s Family Speaks Out

Morgan, who was originally from La Grange, was visiting Wardlow at the time of the shooting. Family members said the two had gone to Bojangles together before they were killed.

Morgan’s granduncle, Keith Sutton, remembered him as “good-hearted,” saying, “He didn’t pick fights or bother anyone. That’s why this doesn’t make sense.”

Morgan’s father, Rico McDowell, described his son as a hardworking young man who recently saved enough to buy his own car. Morgan was in community college, balancing multiple jobs, and considering joining the Army to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“I raised my son the best I could,” McDowell said. “He was a great son. He just got caught in a situation—wrong place, wrong time.”

Morgan was also a skilled football player with aspirations of playing at the collegiate level.

Ongoing Investigation

The State Bureau of Investigation is assisting Hillsborough Police with the case. Authorities have spoken to people of interest but have not released a suspect description. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“We need as much help as we can get from the public,” said Maj. Jason Winn, assistant police chief.

The city released a statement saying, “Investigators are working diligently to piece together what happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Andrew Jones at (919) 296-9562 or submit anonymous tips by calling (919) 296-9555.

A Community United in Grief

As questions linger about the motive and circumstances of the tragedy, the community mourns the loss of two young lives filled with promise. For Wardlow’s and Morgan’s families, the pain is immeasurable, but they remain determined to honor their loved ones’ memories.

“She was well-loved,” Murphy said of Wardlow. “And so was De’Anthony. They had so much ahead of them, and this should never have happened.”

Photos provided by the victim’s families