Derek Ross Sterling, 41, of Durham, North Carolina, was found shot and pronounced dead on August 30, 2022, in the 3600 block of Hillsborough Road. Durham police responded to a report of a shooting around 6:15 p.m.; investigators said the attack did not appear to be random.

Sterling grew up in Sanford and Hillsborough, attended Orange High School where he competed in wrestling and soccer, and began college at Gardner Webb on a soccer scholarship before transferring to Appalachian State, earning a degree in Healthcare Management. He later enlisted in the Navy, trained with Navy SEALs in Coronado, served aboard the USS Carl Vinson and completed two deployments.

Frederick Johnson, 52, of Durham, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Sterling’s death. Police say Johnson used a 2018–2020 Acura TLX with a sunroof during the crime; Johnson is being held at Durham County Jail with no bond. The motive has not been released.

If anyone knew Derek or has information about the shooting, please come forward to the Durham Police Department.