On September 27, 2023, at approximately 3:44 p.m., a tragic incident occurred at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center on Fayetteville Street near Massey Avenue in Durham, North Carolina. Police responded to reports of a shooting at the location and upon arrival, they discovered 21-year-old Taqon Jayshon Blake had been shot. Despite efforts to save him, Blake succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced dead at Duke University Hospital.
The Durham Police Department immediately launched an investigation into the homicide. Nearly a month after the incident, on October 24, 2023, investigators announced significant progress in the case. Two individuals were arrested and charged in connection with Blake's murder.
The primary suspect, identified as 22-year-old Messiah King Harvin-Cleveland of Durham, was charged with first-degree murder. Additionally, 27-year-old Tia Sonee Howell, also from Durham, was charged as an accessory after the fact. Both suspects were taken into custody and held at the Durham County Jail. Harvin-Cleveland was denied bond due to the severity of the charges, while Howell's bond was set at $500,000.
The arrests marked a crucial development in the case, providing some measure of progress for the victim's family and the Durham community. However, the investigation remained ongoing, with authorities continuing to seek additional information about the circumstances surrounding Blake's death.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Durham community came together to mourn the loss of Taqon Jayshon Blake, affectionately known as "Qon" to his friends and family. A funeral service was held for Blake on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 12:00 noon, allowing loved ones to pay their final respects.
This incident contributed to the concerning trend of violence in Durham County during 2023. Later that year, on October 19, a vigil was held to honor and remember 51 lives lost to violence in Durham County throughout 2023, highlighting the impact of such tragedies on the community.
The Durham Police Department encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. They provided contact details for Investigator J. Flamion and CrimeStoppers, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in solving such cases. Additionally, the Durham community was reminded of the option to submit tips anonymously through the Durham CrimeStoppers website, further facilitating the flow of potentially crucial information.
