John Edward Rowe, 73, was killed on January 21, 2025, during a response to a reported burglary at a home on Democracy Street in Raleigh. Rowe, a retired family physician who had moved to Durham to be nearer his children and grandchildren, was active in music and political causes and is survived by children, grandchildren and an extended family.

Police say a woman at the scene identified the suspect as a man she had known from a prior relationship. Officers encountered 70-year-old Antonio Rodrigues, who opened fire; officers returned fire and Rodrigues died at the scene. Rowe suffered critical gunshot wounds, was taken to a hospital and died later that night. A Raleigh police officer was also seriously wounded; the officer’s identity has not been released.

Investigators searched Rodrigues’ vehicle and involved the hazardous devices unit and the ATF; items initially considered suspicious were later deemed not to be a threat. A memorial service for Rowe was set for February 8, 2025, at the United Church of Chapel Hill and the family requested donations to causes reflecting his commitments.

Did anyone in the community know Rowe or have information about the events that evening?