On September 2, 2023, at approximately 1:32 p.m., Durham police responded to a ShotSpotter alert near Mallard Avenue and Neville Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered 59-year-old Joseph Leon Roberts suffering from a gunshot wound at East End Park, located in the 1200 block of North Alston Avenue. Roberts was promptly transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following an investigation, authorities identified 24-year-old Durham resident Kenneth Heath as a suspect in Roberts' death. On a subsequent Friday, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Durham police apprehended Heath on Golden Crest Drive. Heath was charged with first-degree murder and is currently held without bail at the Durham County Jail.
The incident is considered isolated, and police have not disclosed a potential motive. They continue to seek additional information from the public to aid in the investigation. Individuals with pertinent details are encouraged to contact Investigator L. Sprinkle at 919-560-4440 ext. 29248 or CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200. CrimeStoppers offers cash rewards of up to $2,000 for information leading to arrests in felony cases, with assurances of caller anonymity.
