DURHAM, N.C. — A tragic incident unfolded early Wednesday morning when police discovered the bodies of a man and woman in an apartment, marking a devastating chapter in a family’s life. Shakeva Dixon, 27, and Maurice Langston, 36, were identified as the victims, both connected through their role as parents to two daughters.
Authorities indicated that the evidence so far suggests the circumstances may involve a murder-suicide. The couple was found dead inside an apartment located off Crest Street in Durham, where Dixon reportedly lived.
Dixon’s cousin, ShaRena Steeple, shared insights into the troubled relationship, revealing that although they were not married, the couple had been involved for some time. Steeple mentioned that Dixon had been attempting to extricate herself from the relationship, hoping to foster a better environment for her children.
“She always wanted to be an excellent mother and dreamed of creating a stable family,” Steeple said, reflecting on Dixon’s aspirations. According to family members, Dixon was in the process of starting anew in Durham when the tragedy occurred.
The apartment where the shooting took place was described as a fresh start for Dixon and her daughters. Officials have withheld the children’s names and ages, but it is known that Dixon had a third daughter with a different father, indicating a complex family dynamic.
“She was genuinely compassionate and wanted to see everyone around her thrive,” Steeple recalled. “Her focus was always on her three girls.”
Meanwhile, forensic investigators were present at the scene for hours, meticulously gathering evidence and documenting the area. Police tape cordoned off the Crestview Apartments while investigators took photos inside and outside the unit, as well as of a parked car nearby.
The Durham Police Department is continuing its investigation, having maintained a presence at the scene for over nine hours. As authorities search for a clearer picture of the events leading up to the incident, the community grapples with the heartbreaking aftermath.