Dymond Patrice Fowler was 18 when she was killed on August 24, 2015, in Durham, North Carolina. The shooting occurred just before 9:30 p.m. in the 4700 block of Glenn Road, north of Interstate 85 near Falls Lake. Fowler was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds; her friend Alexis Patterson was also shot but survived after playing dead and later seeking help.

According to Fowler’s mother and investigators, the two had been at a hotel in Durham and were reportedly taken from the hotel and held against their will before being driven to Glenn Road. Arrest warrants were issued for Niajel Quashaun Slade, who faced first-degree murder, kidnapping, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill; Slade turned himself in. Alezai Clay was arrested on two counts of first-degree kidnapping and two counts of felony conspiracy. Later charges in the case included first-degree murder for Dominique Faulkner, Alezai Clay, and Jesus Arce. All five suspects were held in the Durham County jail without bond.

Investigators reported a call to Patterson’s home demanding a ransom of $15,000 to $20,000, though authorities did not confirm that detail. Fowler’s family urged the community to allow the legal process to proceed and sought justice for her death.