Man shot and killed in Durham identified, person of interest being questioned

A man was shot and killed in Durham Saturday night, police said.

Officers were called to North Miami Boulevard for reports of a shooting around 8:30 p.m. When they arrived, police said they found 28-year-old Malik Whitley Jr. had been shot. He was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, where he later died.

Police have not released any information about anyone involved but said a person of interest is being questioned.

This Durham shopping center has seen several shootings in the last three years.

Five people were injured in a shooting there on New Year's Day in 2023. In July of that same year, a man died in a drive-by shooting at a nearby bus stop. 

Two more shootings happened in this shopping center in April 2024 and the most recent in October 2025. 

B.J. Bradsher, who works in the area, said he has to keep an eye on his employees when he's in the shopping center to make sure they are safe.

"I think it's unfortunate that you can't walk across the parking lot and feel safe, or be at work and be safe," Bradsher said.

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams said he believes things will improve in the shopping center, adding that he wants people to feel safe.

"We are having the same repetitive crimes happning in the same areas of our city. That is data we need to act on and not just observe," Williams said. "I invite everyone to be part of that."

Police said Saturday night's shooting is still an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Investigator J. Kellar at 919-560-4440 ext. 29306 or submit an anonymous tip through CrimeStoppers at durhamcrimestoppers.org or by calling (919) 683-1200.