A Durham man has pleaded guilty in the deadly shooting of a Duke University graduate student who, prosecutors say, refused to enter an exclusive romantic relationship with him.
Stephon Dubose pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder in the death of Angela Marina Risi, who was shot multiple times in her Durham apartment in October 2023. Prosecutors say the attack began when the defendant forced his way into the residence and opened fire.
According to charging documents and local reports, the shooter fired more than 10 rounds inside the home; eight of those rounds struck Risi and others struck her roommate, who survived after being shot three times. Emergency responders transported the injured woman to a hospital, but Risi later died of her wounds.
Neighbors and friends described shock and grief after the killing. Family members and members of the university community remembered Risi as a talented dancer and a devoted student; campus officials and counselors offered support to those affected by the loss. Investigators say the suspect was known to the victims and that the attack appeared to be an isolated act of violence.
Under the plea agreement, prosecutors said the defendant faces a combined prison term that is expected to amount to decades behind bars. Court filings and coverage indicate the negotiated range for the sentence will fall between roughly 35 and 44 years. The formal sentencing date will be set by the court.
The shooting has renewed conversations on campus and in the wider community about intimate-partner violence and warning signs of abusive behavior. Local advocates stressed that jealousy, controlling conduct, and threats are common red flags in relationships and urged anyone who feels unsafe to contact local support services or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
If you have information about the case, authorities have asked that you contact the Durham Police Department’s investigative unit or local tip lines.
