The University announced Tuesday the death of Angela Risi, a second-year master of fine arts student in the dance program.
“Her kindness and deep intelligence were evident to all who were fortunate enough to work with her, faculty, staff, students and alums,” wrote Sarah Wilbur, associate professor of the practice of dance and theater studies and director of graduate studies in dance, in an email to Duke dance program faculty, staff and students. “Our hearts go out to her chosen and biological family members, as they navigate the immeasurable depth of a sudden loss like this, which just makes no sense.”
At approximately 7:18 a.m. on Monday, police responded to a report of a gunshot wound in the 1000 block of Worth Street and found two women shot, according to a Durham Police Department news release.
The victims were transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. One of the victims, later identified as Risi, succumbed to her injuries a “short time later.” The release says that, based on a preliminary investigation, the shooting “appears to be an isolated incident.”
A suspect with no Duke affiliation has been arrested, according to Wilbur’s email. The suspect was later identified as Stephen Dubose, who has since been charged with murder and attempted first degree murder in connection to the shooting, according to Durham police.
Dubose is currently being held in Durham County Jail with no bond.
“We are in contact with her family and have shared our condolences at a time of immeasurable hurt. The Duke community joins in their shock and sadness at this tragic loss. Counselors are providing support to members of the close-knit dance program and to anyone at Duke struggling with this terrible news,” wrote Frank Tramble, vice president for communications, marketing and public affairs in a statement to The Chronicle.
Wilbur will host a “highly informal gathering” at the Ark on Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m.
“Anyone seeking to process in community will be invited to light candles and share space and sentiments,” she wrote.
Anthony Risi, Angela Risi's brother, created a GoFundMe campaign Thursday, which quickly exceeded its goal of $7,500.
"This devastating news has rocked our family and has left us all in a state of shock and profound sadness. Angela was a gentle and compassionate soul who was a light in the life of anyone who knew her. She was quirky, eccentric and bursting with intelligence and talent, but we will never get to know how the rest of her story would have unfolded," Anthony wrote.
The Durham Police Department is investigating the fatal shooting and asking for anyone with more information about the shooting to call Investigator J. Harris at (919) 560-4440 ext. 29120 or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200.
Mental health resources
- The Chronicle’s list of useful mental health resources
- A list of mental health resources for people of color at Duke and in Durham
- A list of local mental health resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community
Editor's note: This story was updated Oct. 5 to include details about the identity and arrest of the suspect and updated Oct. 8 with the Risi family's GoFundMe.
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Jazper Lu is a Trinity junior and managing editor of The Chronicle's 119th volume.
Audrey Wang is a Trinity junior and data editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume. She was previously editor-in-chief for Volume 119.