Durham police investigate man's death

James Spain said he found his son, Trevor Spain, 41, face down in a pool of blood in the family's basement around 11 p.m. Friday. Trevor Spain lived in the basement of his father's house at 1301 Shepherd St.

James Spain said he first noticed that some things in his room were missing, then he went downstairs to check on his son. He called 911 after seeing his son lying on the floor.

Family members said there was no sign of forced entry, but several items were taken, including two TVs, cash and a DVD player. James Spain said he thinks his son may have known the killer because there were no signs of a break-in.

Earlier that night, Trevor Spain hosted a dinner for six relatives. They left around 9 p.m., according to his cousin, Nakia Thomas. James Spain said he went to Hardee's after the dinner to have coffee with some friends. After returning home, he discovered his son's body.

Police said they consider Trevor Spain's death a homicide. They have not released his cause of death.

Trevor Spain had been an active member of Morehead Avenue Baptist Church since his childhood, according to Pastor Charles Barnes. He was the "hardest-working parishioner," Barnes said, noting that Trevor Spain was a trustee of the church, a choir member and was active in men's fellowship.

"Truly part of his life was serving the Lord and helping our children as well as our senior citizens," Barnes said.

He also had a passion for interior decorating, according to friends, and had decorated his church for Christmas. During the day, Trevor Spain worked as a leasing manager of Carriage House Apartments, according to his family.

Funeral arrangements have not been set.

Anyone with information is asked to call Inv. Cpl. N. M. Cloninger at 919-560-4440 ext. 245, or Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.

Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases and callers never have to identify themselves.