Durham police confirmed that 27‑year‑old Shakeva Dixon and 36‑year‑old Maurice Langston were found dead inside a Crest Street apartment early n Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in what investigators believe was a murder‑suicide. The two, who once shared a relationship and had children together, were discovered after reports of gunfire in the complex near Duke Hospital.
Officers responded late Tuesday night to the apartment off Crest Street, where they located both Dixon and Langston suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. The scene remained active for hours as detectives processed evidence and interviewed neighbors. Police said preliminary findings point to a domestic situation that escalated into violence, leaving two families devastated and three children without their mother.
Family members described Dixon as a young mother who had recently moved to Durham from Goldsboro in hopes of starting fresh. Her cousin, ShaRena Steeple, explained that Dixon wanted to create a healthier environment for her children and distance herself from the relationship with Langston. Steeple said Dixon was trying to leave, but the relationship had taken a toll on her before the tragic events unfolded.
Langston, originally from Goldsboro, was identified by police as the second victim. Investigators believe he shot Dixon before turning the gun on himself. Authorities have not released further details about the weapon used or how long the couple had been inside the apartment before officers arrived. The case remains under investigation, though police emphasized that no suspects are being sought beyond Langston.
The Crest Street apartment complex, located not far from Duke Hospital, was cordoned off for much of Wednesday as officers worked to reconstruct the timeline of events. Residents expressed shock at the violence, noting that the area is typically quiet. The incident has raised renewed concerns about domestic violence and the challenges faced by individuals attempting to leave unhealthy relationships.
For Dixon’s family, the tragedy is compounded by the future of her children, now left without their mother. Relatives and community members have rallied to provide support, describing Dixon as a genuine spirit who loved her daughters deeply. As the investigation continues, her loved ones are calling for awareness and resources to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.