One year later, police say case of murdered Afghan refugee has gone cold
On Dec. 30, 2022, Durham Police say Ainzargul Totakhil was shot and killed in his car, near the intersection of Holloway Street and South Adams Street.
His family says he was driving for Uber at the time, and believe it was a case of mistaken identity. A year later, police say the case has gone cold, and are urging the public to come forward with any leads, big or small.
"We miss his smile. Friendship," his cousin, Yousaf Mangal said.
Mangal and Totakhil worked together in Afghanistan, risking their lives as translators for American troops. Both came to the United States as refugees, hoping for a better, safer environment. Totakhil had become a U.S. citizen only days before his death.
"A lot of refugees are coming into America for a brighter future," Mangal said. "But since we have been here in America, we have heard a lot of gun violence taking place across the U.S."
Totakhil leaves behind a widow and eight children – one born only weeks after his murder. The family finally got the necessary paperwork to come to the U.S. only after his death, and is now living in Durham trying to adapt to a new country and new language without him.
Mangal said the transition has been challenging. Initially, they encountered difficulty getting government assistance like food stamps. He says they are only able to pay their rent thanks to donations to a GoFundMe, which raised more than $70,000.
Mangal said Totakhil's oldest son, 19, is working to support his mom and his siblings, who are in school.
"He has a lot of burden on his shoulders," Mangal said.
He told WRAL the family has filed a lawsuit against Uber, since Totakhil was working at the time of his death.
"It would be much better for his family to get compensated so that his family can continue to live in America," he said.
Meanwhile, the family holds Totakhil's memory close and prays for an arrest, to help bring the family closure and peace of mind.
"We want the public to help law enforcement," Mangal said. "There are a lot of criminals that are taking lives of people."
Durham Police ask that anyone with information call Investigator A. Cristaldi at (919) 560-4440, ext. 29283 or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. Calls to CrimeStoppers can be anonymous, and can pay cash rewards.
