Priscilla Alethia Mason, a 28-year-old woman from Durham, North Carolina, was tragically shot to death on September 14, 2004, while working at a Cash Advance store in the Duke Crossing Shopping Center. Mason, a single mother, was killed by her boyfriend, Antuanne Shaw, who had a history of violence towards her. In 2002, Shaw had pleaded guilty to abusing Mason.
The couple had a tumultuous relationship, and on the day of the murder, Shaw shot Mason during an argument at the store.
Following the shooting, Shaw fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with Mason's murder. He reached a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. In 2006, Shaw was sentenced to 23 to 28 years in prison for the crime. The case highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and the tragic consequences it can have on victims and their families.
Mason's death left behind a 6-year-old daughter, and the community was deeply affected by the loss. The investigation into her murder revealed Shaw's extensive criminal history, including previous assault charges and convictions for weapons and drug-related offenses. The case also underscored the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing support to victims to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
