On September 13, 2023, at approximately 10 p.m., Hillsborough police responded to reports of multiple gunshot victims in the 200 block of West Orange Street. Upon arrival, they discovered 20-year-old Cailee Azariah Parker of Durham and an 18-year-old Hillsborough woman suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to Duke University Hospital, where Parker succumbed to his injuries; the female victim survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
In the ensuing investigation, authorities arrested four individuals in connection with the shooting. The first arrest occurred on September 27, 2023, when a 17-year-old male was apprehended in Durham. He was charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony conspiracy, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Subsequently, in October 2023, two more suspects were detained: 19-year-old Coreiaja Woodard of Durham and another 17-year-old. Woodard faced charges including aiding and abetting first-degree murder, aiding and abetting assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. The second juvenile was charged with first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and robbery with a dangerous weapon. The final arrest took place on January 4, 2024, involving a 17-year-old charged with aiding and abetting first-degree murder, aiding and abetting assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. Due to their ages, the identities of the juvenile suspects have not been publicly disclosed.
Parker's mother, Toshauna, expressed profound grief following her son's death and the subsequent arrests. She emphasized the enduring pain of losing her child, stating, "They are sitting in a jail cell, and my child is in a grave." Toshauna continues to advocate for her son, asserting, "Since my son can no longer speak for himself, I am his voice." She remains determined to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable, regardless of their age.
With all suspects now in custody, the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in the pursuit of justice for Parker and the injured woman.
