On February 16, 2023, Durham police responded to a call regarding a gunshot wound in the 800 block of Park Avenue around 8 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered 64-year-old Jose Manuel Caceres-Murillo with a fatal gunshot wound. Emergency Medical Services pronounced him dead at the scene.
Caceres-Murillo was a longtime resident of Park Avenue, having lived there for 50 years. Originally from Honduras, he was known in the community as a street vendor who sold hot dogs in Durham. He is survived by his partner of 24 years and three stepchildren.
The neighborhood was cordoned off between Lathrop and Holloway streets as police conducted their investigation. Despite canvassing the area and interviewing witnesses, authorities did not immediately release information about potential suspects. Residents expressed shock and concern over the incident, noting that the area had been relatively quiet in recent years.
As of December 24, 2024, there have been no publicly reported arrests or identified suspects in connection with the death of Jose Manuel Caceres-Murillo. The case remains unsolved, and Durham police continue to seek information from the public. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator M. Strickland at (919) 560-4440, ext. 29536, or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200.
