Triangle Crime Report June 23 – 29: Violence, Drug Busts & Fraud Cases Across the Region

RALEIGH, NC – From deadly shootings and violent standoffs to drug trafficking, identity fraud, and arson investigations, the week of June 23–29 brought a surge of serious crimes across North Carolina’s Triangle region. Law enforcement in Durham, Wake, Johnston, Orange, and Harnett counties responded to a range of violent and financial crimes—highlighting growing concerns about public safety and organized crime. Here’s a breakdown by county:

DURHAM COUNTY

Durham was gripped by a violent three-day stretch that left two people dead, including a 4-year-old child, and others critically wounded in a series of shootings. On June 23, 32-year-old Labreya Street was fatally shot on Linwood Avenue in what authorities say was a domestic-related incident. A suspect known to the victim,  51-year-old Montgomery Lecute Davis, has been arrested and charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon..

Tragedy struck again on June 24, when a 4-year-old boy accidentally shot himself after finding an unsecured firearm inside a home on Briggs Avenue. The child died from his injuries, sparking renewed demands for stricter safe storage gun laws. Police are still determining whether charges will be filed.

On June 25, Durham police responded to three separate shootings. The first occurred on Reservoir Street, where a man was killed and a 15-year-old girl injured inside a home. Hours later, a man was critically wounded by gunfire on Wiggins Street. That night, just before midnight, another individual suffered life-threatening injuries in a shooting on Ashe Street. Police are investigating whether the shootings are connected.

WAKE COUNTY

Wake County also saw a sharp uptick in violence. On June 25, police released images of a woman who used stolen credit cards to purchase over $2,600 in gift cards from a Raleigh CVS. Authorities suspect she may be linked to other fraud cases across the Triangle.

One of the most disturbing cases emerged on June 26, when a house fire on Howard Road in Wendell led to the discovery of three bodies, including two teenagers. Investigators determined the fire was deliberately set and have classified the case as a triple homicide and arson. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is assisting with the investigation.

Meanwhile, on June 27, two teenagers were arrested following a shooting outside the Sheetz on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh. Though no one was injured, the incident unfolded during a busy time with numerous witnesses present.

On June 28, a Raleigh gang member affiliated with the United Blood Nation was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for heroin trafficking and illegal weapons possession following a major 2023 raid.

Finally, in the early hours of June 29, two women were shot in separate but possibly related incidents near Libido Bar & Lounge on Poole Road. Both were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

JOHNSTON COUNTY

Drug offenses and a mail-related narcotics case made headlines in Johnston County this week. On June 19, Selma police intercepted a suspicious package at The UPS Store on S. Pollock Street after an officer on routine patrol detected a strong odor of marijuana. Upon executing a search warrant, officers discovered 56.2 grams of marijuana, 51 doses of Diazepam, and 50 doses of Clonazepam inside the box. Security footage and shipping records identified James David Rousey-Pettengill, 39, as the sender. Police found additional marijuana and paraphernalia at his W. Oak Street residence. Rousey-Pettengill admitted to mailing the marijuana but denied knowledge of the prescription drugs. He was charged with felony possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana and held under a $30,000 secured bond.

Meanwhile, on June 28, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office STAR Team and Narcotics Division executed a search warrant at the Selma Housing Authority apartments on S. Sellers Street, targeting Jerome Pratt, 44. The raid uncovered 170 grams of marijuana and a firearm inside his home. Investigators said Pratt had been under surveillance since April and had sold 340 grams of methamphetamine—valued at approximately $34,000—to undercover officers during that time. He was arrested and charged with five counts of trafficking methamphetamine, two counts of maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Pratt is being held on a $1,050,000 secured bond.

On June 27, Darnell William King, 42, of Clayton, was sentenced to six years and five months in federal prison for his role in a multi-state COVID-19 relief fraud and identity theft scheme. Prosecutors say King used stolen identities to file over $400,000 in fraudulent PPP loans and unemployment insurance claims during the pandemic. He pleaded guilty in February and was also ordered to pay restitution.

ORANGE COUNTY

On June 26, Paula Lee Decoteau, 51, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2022 shooting death of her mother, 75-year-old Cheryl Garner Medlin. The incident occurred on Dec. 11, 2022, at their home on Spruce Pine Trail in Hillsborough, where Medlin was shot in the forehead with a .22 rifle and died later that day. Witnesses told deputies they heard an argument and a gunshot, and that Decoteau confiscated their phones and held them for 30 minutes before they could call 911. Decoteau was sentenced to 15 years and 6 months to 19 years and 8 months in prison.

HARNETT COUNTY

A house party in the Shawtown community of Lillington turned deadly on June 21, around 11:40 p.m., when gunfire erupted, leaving one man dead at the scene and two others wounded. Witnesses reported the shooting followed a dispute among guests. Police are working to identify the shooter and any possible accomplices.

Just one day earlier, on June 20, a 22-year-old man led Harnett County deputies on a high-speed chase before crashing and being arrested. A search of his vehicle revealed narcotics and a loaded handgun. Officers said the driver was out on parole at the time of the chase and is now facing multiple new charges.

AROUND THE STATE

Outside the Triangle, several disturbing incidents made headlines:

In Catawba County, six suspects were arrested and each charged with 64 criminal counts following a mass shooting at a large party on June 22. Authorities say the charges include attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of firearms by felons. Multiple victims were injured in the chaotic scene, and the investigation is ongoing.

In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), six alleged gang members were charged on June 23 in connection with a February 2025 kidnapping and assault. According to police, the incident was part of an internal gang dispute that resulted in the victim being tortured and held against their will. All suspects remain in custody without bond as the case proceeds through the courts.

And in Goldsboro (Wayne County), police responded to a crash behind a Waffle House on June 23, where they discovered two men inside a flipped vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators believe the shooting happened elsewhere, and the victims were attempting to flee when the car overturned. Both men were hospitalized and are expected to recover.

Conclusion

The final week of June brought a troubling mix of violent crime, fraud, drug trafficking, and gang activity to the Triangle and surrounding regions. From Durham’s five shootings in three days to Wake County’s arson triple homicide and Johnston’s growing drug cases, law enforcement is grappling with a surge in high-level criminal activity the week of June 23 – 29.

Police departments across all counties urge anyone with information to contact local law enforcement or CrimeStoppers. Tips can remain anonymous and could help prevent further violence.