Justin Royster, a 27-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on May 3, 2018, in Durham, North Carolina. The incident occurred around 11:15 p.m. in the 400 block of Canal Street. According to reports, the shooting did not appear to be random, and another unidentified man was also injured but survived with non-life-threatening injuries. The Durham Police Department quickly identified a suspect, 28-year-old Donnelle Wilkerson, who was charged with Justin Royster's murder.
However, despite the charges, Wilkerson has not been apprehended and remains at large.
The investigation revealed that Justin Royster and Donnelle Wilkerson had previous disagreements, which may have escalated into the fatal shooting. It is believed that an argument over a girl might have been the catalyst for the tragic event. Justin's mother, Denise Ray, has been vocal about her desire for justice and closure, urging the suspect to come forward and face the consequences of his actions. She has expressed the immense pain and loss she feels, describing her son as a person full of life.
In the year following Justin Royster's death, his family and friends have held vigils and events to honor his memory and raise awareness about the ongoing search for his killer. The community has come together to support the grieving family and to call for justice. Despite the passage of time, the Durham Police Department continues to seek information on Donnelle Wilkerson's whereabouts, offering cash rewards for tips leading to his arrest.
