Monteith Lowery, 27, of Durham, North Carolina, was shot in the early morning hours of March 1, 2025. The shooting occurred around 5:01 a.m. in the 600 block of Ellis Road. Officers found Lowery with a gunshot wound and he was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

Investigators developed the case and on March 13, 2025 the U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested 26-year-old Derrick Lamont Earls in Burlington, North Carolina, on unrelated outstanding warrants. While Earls was being processed at the Durham County Jail, investigators obtained a felony murder warrant tied to Lowery’s death. Court documents say Earls was charged with first-degree murder and made a first court appearance on March 14, 2025, with a public defender; he is being held without bond. Reports note Earls had been on probation after a July 2024 detention in a large-scale gun bust and had prior charges including communicating threats, identity theft, and probation violations.

Authorities continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information to come forward; CrimeStoppers offers anonymous tips and cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases. If anyone knew Monteith Lowery or has information about the shooting, please share what can help the investigation.