On January 27, 2023, at approximately 2 a.m., Durham police responded to a shooting in the 100 block of West Knox Street, near Duke Park. Upon arrival, officers discovered 41-year-old Shakida Laquan Rivers suffering from gunshot wounds. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Following an investigation, authorities identified 25-year-old Durham resident, Shawn Leroy Butler, as a suspect in Rivers' death.
Butler, a convicted felon, was already in custody at the Durham County Jail since February 6 on a federal detainer related to a weapons violation. On March 6, 2023, he was formally charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with Rivers' death.
The arrest brought some relief to the community, especially residents near Duke Park, who were unsettled by the violence in their neighborhood. Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots and observed vehicles speeding away from the scene during the early morning hours of the incident. The park, typically a gathering place for families and children, became a focal point of concern following the tragedy.
As of now, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not disclosed a potential motive for the shooting. They continue to urge anyone with additional information to contact Investigator M. Evans at (919) 560-4440, ext. 29336, or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. CrimeStoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases, and callers can remain anonymous.
