On March 17, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., deputies from the Durham County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence on Red Mountain Road in northern Durham County. Upon arrival, they discovered 39-year-old Matthew Austin Lockamy deceased outside the home, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound. His father, 68-year-old Kenneth Wendell Lockamy, admitted to shooting his son during a physical altercation.
Witnesses reported that the incident stemmed from a violent confrontation between Matthew and his father. Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene but were unable to revive Matthew. Kenneth sustained injuries during the fight and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
In the weeks following the incident, the Durham County Sheriff's Office conducted a thorough investigation. On April 8, 2024, authorities arrested Kenneth Wendell Lockamy, charging him with murder in connection to his son's death. He was subsequently held on a $500,000 bond.
Prior to this tragic event, records indicate that law enforcement had been called to the Lockamy residence multiple times since 2022, including responses to domestic disturbances and assaults. This history suggests a pattern of familial conflict leading up to the fatal encounter.
Matthew's passing was deeply mourned by his family and community. Born on January 18, 1985, in Bahama, North Carolina, he was remembered for his athletic talents, particularly in basketball, and his love for the ocean, where he found peace and tranquility. He is survived by his mother, father, brothers, daughters, and other family members who cherished his memory.
