Donald Cody Watlington, a 27-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on September 30, 2019, in Burlington, North Carolina. Watlington was found with a single gunshot wound to his back on a sidewalk between two apartment buildings near Center Avenue and Tucker Street. The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. on that fateful Monday night.
Watlington's death was a result of this gunshot wound, and the investigation into his murder began immediately.
The Burlington Police Department identified Miktu Williams, a 26-year-old male from Burlington, as the primary suspect in Watlington's murder. Williams allegedly shot Watlington in the back, leading to his untimely death. Murder warrants were issued for Williams' arrest on charges of first-degree murder. Despite the issuance of these warrants, Williams' whereabouts remained unknown for some time, prompting the police to seek assistance from the public in locating him.
The investigation into Watlington's death also raised questions about the security measures in place at the apartment complex where the shooting occurred. Legal experts suggested that the complex's management might be held accountable if it was found that they failed to provide adequate security to prevent such incidents. The ongoing investigation aimed to determine whether the apartment complex had a history of violence and if any security measures were implemented following previous incidents.
In the aftermath of Watlington's death, his family and friends were left to mourn the loss of a beloved son, father, and friend. Watlington's obituary highlighted his love for football, dirt biking, working out, and spending time with his family. He was remembered as the life of the party, always bringing joy to those around him. His passing left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, and the search for justice continued as the investigation into his murder progressed.
