Dymond Patrice Fowler, an 18-year-old African American woman, was tragically killed on August 24, 2015, in Durham, North Carolina. The incident occurred just before 9:30 p.m. in the 4700 block of Glenn Road, north of Interstate 85 near Falls Lake. Fowler was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds, while her friend, Alexis Patterson, who was also shot, survived by playing dead and later seeking help.
The events leading to Fowler's death began when she and Patterson were reportedly taken
from a hotel in Durham and held against their will. Fowler's mother stated that the two friends were at a hotel and were forcibly taken to Glenn Road, where the shooting occurred. Fowler had recently graduated from Northern High School, and her family described her as a beloved individual with no known enemies.
In the aftermath of the shooting, authorities quickly began investigating the case. Arrest warrants were issued for Niajel Quashaun Slade, a 23-year-old man from Durham, who was charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Slade turned himself in to authorities shortly after the warrants were issued. Additionally, Alezai Clay, a 19-year-old, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping and two counts of felony conspiracy.
Further developments in the case saw three more suspects facing charges. Dominique Faulkner, Alezai Clay, and Jesus Arce were all charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting. The suspects were initially facing kidnapping and conspiracy charges, but these were later upgraded to murder charges. All five suspects were held in the Durham County jail without bond.
The investigation into Fowler's death revealed that someone had called Patterson's home demanding a ransom of $15,000 to $20,000, although authorities did not confirm this detail. Fowler's family expressed their desire for justice and urged the community not to take matters into their own hands, emphasizing the importance of allowing the law to handle the situation.
Fowler's tragic death and the subsequent arrests and charges highlight the severity of the crime and the efforts of law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice. The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violence on individuals and communities.
