On August 2, 2024, a family gathering in Durham County, North Carolina, ended in tragedy when 62-year-old Gregory Lee was fatally shot by his cousin, 59-year-old Alton Antonio Wall, who then took his own life. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. during an annual birthday cookout and campout hosted by their cousin, Jonathan Kelly Riley, at his home on Edsel Road in the Lebanon area.
According to witness accounts, Wall, who had been expressing paranoid thoughts that others were plotting against him, confronted Lee during the event. Despite attempts by family members to de-escalate the situation and disarm Wall, he held Lee in a chokehold, brandished a pistol, and fired shots into the ground. As Riley stepped away to call 911, he heard two gunshots. Upon returning, he found Lee lying on his back and Wall on his knees, having apparently shot Lee before turning the gun on himself.
Emergency responders pronounced Lee dead at the scene, while Wall was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The Durham County Sheriff's Office, after interviewing witnesses and conducting an initial investigation, classified the incident as a murder-suicide. They do not anticipate filing any charges, as no other individuals were involved, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Gregory Lee's passing was deeply mourned by his family and the local community. Born on February 5, 1962, he was remembered for his warm personality and contributions to those around him. Funeral services were held on August 16, 2024, at Peace Missionary Baptist Church in Durham, where loved ones gathered to pay their respects and celebrate his life.
