On December 27, 2023, in the unincorporated area west of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 59-year-old Lee André Foster was fatally shot during an altercation. Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call reporting the incident in the 1000 block of Ferguson Road. Upon arrival, they found Foster with a single gunshot wound to the back of his head; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, 54-year-old Darron Nelson Downey, who was acquainted with Foster, was present at the scene and taken into custody without incident. Downey was charged with second-degree murder and held at the Orange County Detention Center without bond. His first court appearance was scheduled for December 28, 2023.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the community, as the incident appears to have been isolated between the two individuals involved. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Investigator Nazworth at the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Foster, born on February 13, 1964, in Trinity, North Carolina, was known for his kind spirit and jovial personality. He held various occupations throughout his life, including roles as a truck driver, customer service representative, and houseman within the hotel industry. He is survived by his daughter, Andrea Royster, and seven grandchildren.
