DURHAM COUNTY, N.C. — A deadly shooting early Monday morning has left one man dead and another behind bars facing a first-degree murder charge, according to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were called to a home on Ardsley Drive just after 5 a.m., where they found a violent scene that quickly escalated into a homicide investigation. The incident has shaken the quiet residential area and left neighbors searching for answers.
When deputies arrived at the home, they encountered 50-year-old Joseph Stevens, who told authorities that he had shot someone, officials said. Stevens was immediately taken into custody at the scene without incident. Inside the residence, deputies discovered a man who had been shot and showed no signs of life. Emergency responders confirmed the man was dead, marking a tragic start to the week for the community.
Law enforcement later identified the victim as 54-year-old John Edward Tyler. Authorities have not released details about the relationship between Tyler and Stevens or what may have led up to the shooting. Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances surrounding the deadly encounter, including what happened in the moments before the gunfire erupted inside the home.
Stevens has been formally charged with first-degree murder, a charge that reflects the seriousness of the allegations against him. He is currently being held at the Durham County Detention Facility without bond. Court records indicate he will remain in custody as the case moves through the legal system. Officials have not yet said when Stevens is expected to make his first court appearance.
Neighbors in the Ardsley Drive area expressed shock after learning about the shooting, describing the neighborhood as generally quiet and peaceful. Many said they were awakened by the presence of law enforcement vehicles and flashing lights in the early morning hours. The sudden loss of life has raised concerns about safety and left residents unsettled as they process what happened so close to home.
The Durham County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work to establish a clear timeline of events. Authorities have not released additional information at this time but say more details may become available as the investigation progresses. For now, the community is left mourning the death of John Edward Tyler while awaiting answers in a case that has deeply impacted the neighborhood.
