Second Suspect Sought in Durham Murder
Durham police are searching for Desmond Strudwick in connection with the August 6 shooting of Jamari Sharpe.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Soccer
Authorities in Durham are seeking Desmond Strudwick as a second suspect in the August 6, 2026, killing of 21-year-old Jamari Sharpe. Police previously arrested Rafael Amir McClain, 22, on murder charges two weeks after the shooting occurred in the 2500 block of Ross Road.
Why it matters
The case involves a violent incident that reached into two areas of the city, with reports of a shooting in the 300 block of Melbourne Street moments before the fatal shooting on Ross Road. Police released a photograph of the second suspect on Wednesday to assist in the ongoing search.
Rafael Amir McClain was arrested and charged with murder on August 20, 2026, while Desmond Strudwick remains at large. The Durham Police Department released an official photograph of Strudwick on September 16 to aid the search.
The players
Jamari Sharpe
He was a 21-year-old soccer player from Morrisville who graduated from Panther Creek High School.
Rafael Amir McClain
The 22-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with murder two weeks after the incident.
Desmond Strudwick
The 21-year-old is currently sought by police as the second suspect in the ongoing murder investigation.
Durham Police Department
This local law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating the homicide and managing the search for the suspect.
The details
Jamari Sharpe was a 21-year-old Morrisville native who graduated from Panther Creek High School in 2023. He was an avid athlete who began playing soccer at age 7 and spent 10 years in club soccer, including joining CASL at age 9.
Timeline
August 6, 2026: Jamari Sharpe was fatally shot in the 2500 block of Ross Road.
August 20, 2026: Rafael Amir McClain was arrested and charged with murder.
September 16, 2026: Police announced they were seeking Desmond Strudwick and released his photo.
Legal Context
The search for suspects follows the established procedural framework for the 2026 Durham homicide investigation protocols. This case reflects standard city investigative efforts to clear major violent crimes through the identification and apprehension of multiple involved parties.
Residents in the area of the 2500 block of Ross Road and the 300 block of Melbourne Street are encouraged to contact police with any information regarding the suspect. The release of the suspect's photo serves as a safety advisory for the local community.
The takeaway
The tragic death of a young athlete serves as a somber reminder of the impact of violence on local families. Community members should remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to help law enforcement conclude the investigation.
Further reading
For more information on the local soccer community, see Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS17.
