Alexander Keith Hairston, a 20-year-old man from Garner, North Carolina, was tragically shot and killed on December 19, 2020, in the parking lot of a Food Lion in Durham, NC. Hairston was in the front passenger seat of a Jeep driven by his friend when the incident occurred. His friend had arranged to meet someone to trade guns, and Hairston was along for the ride.
When the suspects got into the Jeep, one of them pulled out a gun, pointed it at Hairston, and demanded the driver hand over his gun. The suspect then shot Hairston in the back of the head.
Following the shooting, Hairston's friend drove to the front of the Food Lion and called 911 at 10:53 a.m. Police and EMS arrived at the scene, and Hairston was pronounced dead at 11 a.m. The investigation revealed that the suspects fled the scene on foot.
On March 18, 2021, Durham police and the US Marshals arrested and charged Jonathan Winfred High Jr., 19, of Durham, with murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. High was also charged with a probation violation and is currently being held in the Durham County Jail without bond. Hairston's friend does not appear to be facing any charges in the case.
The investigation into Hairston's death is ongoing, and authorities continue to seek information from the public. The case has raised questions about the adequacy of security measures at the Food Lion parking lot and whether the shooting could have been prevented. Hairston's family may pursue legal claims and seek compensation for their loss.
The tragic death of Alexander Keith Hairston has left his family and community seeking justice and answers. The case highlights the importance of adequate security measures and the need for vigilance in public spaces to prevent such senseless acts of violence.
