Man Charged With First-Degree Murder In Deadly Drive-By Shooting In Durham
DURHAM, NC – The Durham Police Department has arrested and charged Michael Elijah McCray, 21, in connection with the May 2024 drive-by homicide of 20-year-old Ricky Nichols Jr.
On May 25, 2024, at approximately 5:12 p.m., officers responded to a report of a gunshot wound in the 3600 block of Keystone Place. Upon arrival, they discovered Nichols in a vehicle in the parking lot, suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS transported Nichols to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
On September 19, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Task Force apprehended McCray in Richmond County, North Carolina. He was transported to the Durham County Jail, where he was held without bond following a Grand Jury Indictment for first-degree murder in Nichols’ drive-by case.
Additionally, McCray was served with a warrant obtained by Cary Police for four felony charges: one count of breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft and three counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle.
Anyone with information about this murder is encouraged to contact Investigator A. Bongarten at 919-560-4440 ext. 29529. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers at www.durhamcrimestoppers.org or 919-683-1200. CrimeStoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases, and callers are not required to identify themselves.
Durham CrimeStoppers
CrimeStoppers is a tip line that allows tipsters to report criminal activity anonymously. It is a partnership between the community, the media, law enforcement agencies, and businesses working together to solve crime. Callers are encouraged, via cash rewards and a promise of anonymity, to provide information leading to the arrest of suspected criminals. Information related to unsolved crimes and wanted persons is distributed to the community via various forms of media. Tipsters are encouraged to call CrimeStoppers and anonymously give any information about the unsolved crime or fugitive. CrimeStoppers forwards the information to the investigating law enforcement agency within Durham County. If the information is used by law enforcement and leads to a felony arrest, the tipster may be eligible to receive a cash reward. Reward payments range from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $2,000, depending on the severity of the crime. Visit www.durhamcrimestoppers.org for more information.
Photos courtesy of Durham Police Department