Daniel Pressley, a 29-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on May 1, 2020, in Durham, North Carolina. Pressley was found dead at the Emerald Forest Apartment complex, where he resided. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. when off-duty Durham Police Officer C.T. Strickland, who lived at the same complex, heard gunshots and went to investigate.
Strickland found Pressley lying on the second-story breezeway with a gunshot wound, and another man, 27-year-old Wesley Watkins, standing over him.
The investigation revealed that Pressley and Watkins were roommates and had been arguing over money before the shooting. Watkins admitted to shooting Pressley and later confessed that he wanted the officer to kill him. Watkins charged at Strickland, prompting the officer to fire his weapon twice, hitting Watkins in the abdomen. Watkins was transported to Duke Hospital for treatment and was subsequently charged with murder in Pressley's death.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Durham Police Department's Professional Standards Division conducted investigations into the shooting. Strickland was assigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.
Pressley's death was a significant loss to his family and friends. He was remembered for his love of music, cooking, and intellectual conversations. Pressley was a talented musician who enjoyed writing and producing music, and he was a self-taught keyboardist, guitarist, and violinist. His group, The Koolest, was nominated for a Carolina Music Award in the Best Group Category. Pressley's infectious smile and joyful personality left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.
