Charlene Bullock King, 49, was shot and killed on May 4, 2010, at the Duke Health Center in Durham, North Carolina, where she had worked as a phlebotomist for 27 years. The shooting happened just before 3 p.m. near the corner of North Duke Street and Frasier Street, north of I-85. Witnesses reported hearing four shots; medical staff attempted to revive her but she was found unconscious. Her autopsy recorded six gunshot wounds to the chest, stomach, back, and buttocks, with damage to the lungs and heart causing her death.
The suspect was identified as her ex-boyfriend, 52-year-old Burnette Taylor. Taylor had a lengthy criminal history that included convictions for second-degree rape, kidnapping, car theft, larceny of firearms, resisting arrest, and drunk driving, and he was a registered sex offender. After the shooting he fled on foot, exchanged gunfire with officers near Broad and Carver streets, and was shot by police; he was taken to Duke Hospital and later died. The case drew attention to domestic violence and the risks faced by victims.
If anyone knew Charlene, her movements that day, or has information about the relationship or events leading up to the shooting, please come forward.