Monteith Lowery, a 27-year-old man from Durham, North Carolina, was fatally shot on March 1, 2025. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, around 5:01 a.m., in the 600 block of Ellis Road. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Lowery suffering from a gunshot wound. He was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities launched an investigation into the homicide, and on March 13, 2025, the U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested 26-year-old Derrick Lamont Earls in Burlington, North Carolina. Earls was initially detained on outstanding warrants unrelated to the case. However, while he was being processed at the Durham County Jail, investigators obtained a felony murder warrant against him in connection with Lowery’s death. Earls is currently being held without bond.
Court documents reveal that Earls was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Monteith Lowery. He made his first court appearance on March 14, 2025, where he was assigned a public defender. Prior to his arrest, Earls had been on probation following a previous detention in July 2024, when he was among 24 individuals arrested in a large-scale gun bust in Durham. His prior charges included communicating threats, identity theft, and probation violations.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lowery’s death and encourage anyone with information to come forward. CrimeStoppers offers cash rewards for tips leading to arrests in felony cases, and callers can remain anonymous.
