Rev. Hironori T. James, 62, was shot and killed on March 31, 2022, in Durham, North Carolina. He was found in the 2800 block of Crest Street and was pronounced dead upon arrival. The Durham Police Department opened an immediate investigation into the shooting.

On June 10, 2022, Durham police announced an indictment charging 53-year-old Willie James Smith Jr. with First Degree Murder in connection with Rev. James’s death. Police reported Smith had been taken into custody by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina on June 9, 2022, and was being held on an unrelated murder charge at that time. Authorities have asked anyone with information to come forward.

Rev. James was an elder at Grace Ministries International and is described as a beloved family man; his death has deeply affected his congregation and community. Does anyone have information about Rev. James, his work at Grace Ministries International, or the events around March 31, 2022?