Anti-violence worker charged in connection to teen's murder

A man hired to help prevent violence in Durham is now charged in relation to the murder of 19-year-old Jeremiah Williams.

An arrest warrant shows Raymond Harwell was charged Thursday with accessory after the fact, a felony. It states that Harwell helped the accused murderer, Tyshawn Franks, escape the crime scene, "knowing Tyshawn Franks had committed the crime."

Williams was shot and killed in November 2023 in the McDougald Terrace public housing complex.

Sources told WRAL Investigates that Harwell is an employee of Bull City United, a group that gets millions of dollars in funding from the city of Durham and Durham County. In recent years, WRAL News has reported on five BCU employees being charged with crimes.

In April, WRAL Investigates obtained a roster of Bull City United employees from Durham County through a public records request. That roster lists Harwell as an employee who began his role in February 2022.

BCU is known for employing people described as "credible messengers," who have a history of gang affiliation or criminal histories. In 2016, the group started in Durham and has received increasing support from city and county leaders. WRAL News reported last year that the Durham City Council and Durham County Board of Commissioners voted to each allot roughly $1 million to the group.

In 2022, county commissioners voted to spend $6 million on buying a new building for the group, and others, with similar missions.

According to the Durham County Sheriff's Office, Harwell has been released from jail after posting a $350,000 bond.

WRAL Investigates asked Durham County about Harwell's employment status, and a spokesperson said he remains employed, but is on “investigatory leave” with pay.

Durham County Manager Kimberly Sowell issued this statement:

“We are aware of the concerns that have arisen about the Bull City United program. This initiative was created to help stem the tide of violence in our community and to offer justice involved residents a new start, a second chance in life. Those goals remain at the heart of the program as we continue our collective effort to save lives in Durham. Like any County program, we need to ensure BCU is working efficiently and effectively to achieve our objectives. With that in mind, we are conducting an assessment of the program, with the goal of solidifying its place as a leader in reducing violence and helping people reach their true potential. I anticipate this review will take a few months to complete. At the end of that time, we will present our findings and recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and the community.”