All articles tagged with #durham county
Miguel Enrique Salguero-Olivares faces trial in Durham for the 2012 murder of UNC student Faith Hedgepeth. Prosecutors rely on DNA found on a rum bottle and a handwritten note, while the defense highlights missing evidence and procedural errors. The case was solved in 2021 via genetic genealogy after years of unsolved investigation.
The trial of Miguel Salguero Olivares for the 2012 murder of UNC student Faith Hedgepeth began in Durham, with prosecutors relying on DNA evidence found on a blood-covered rum bottle and a note. The defense challenges the timeline and highlights missing evidence, while the victim's roommate testified about the final hours, denying any involvement in the killing.
A significant structure fire broke out at a two-story home in the 5000 block of Garrett Road in southwest Durham on Wednesday morning. A large response involving at least five fire trucks was deployed to combat the blaze, which also affected a detached outbuilding in a nearby wooded area. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital for observation, while no other injuries were reported. The house was unoccupied at the time of the incident, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Jury selection began on September 28, 2026, in Durham County for the murder trial of Miguel Salguero-Olivares, who is accused of killing UNC student Faith Hedgepeth in 2012. The case, which took nearly a decade to solve, involves DNA evidence and charges of murder, rape, and burglary. The trial is expected to last several weeks, with significant pretrial rulings limiting defense arguments regarding third-party guilt.
North Carolina health officials have identified a water feature at the El Futuro community center in Durham as the most likely source of a fatal Naegleria fowleri infection that killed 17-year-old Moises Ponce Mendoza. Mendoza visited the center on August 13, 2026, and died on August 31. The feature was closed on August 28 after testing positive for the amoeba. While investigators could not conclusively prove the exposure site, environmental and epidemiological evidence points to the water feature as the probable cause.
A 17-year-old North Carolina boy died from a rare brain infection after likely contracting the amoeba Naegleria fowleri at a community center water feature. State officials identified the site as the probable source after testing confirmed the presence of the pathogen, though they could not definitively prove the exact moment of exposure.
A dog named Kingston, discovered in a dumpster in Durham, has been adopted by a new family after receiving medical care at the Animal Protection Society of Durham. While the dog is recovering from a skin infection, authorities are investigating the incident and seeking information about a person seen on surveillance footage near the location.
Durham County has the lowest kindergarten vaccination rate in central NC at 88%, raising concerns about herd immunity and potential outbreaks like measles, which requires 95% coverage. Experts emphasize the importance of timely vaccinations, especially before the school year, and highlight the impact of pandemic disruptions on immunization rates. Pediatricians recommend prioritizing MMR and other CDC-recommended vaccines to prevent public health crises and protect children as they return to school.
North Carolina reports its first West Nile virus case of 2025 in a Durham County resident, highlighting ongoing mosquito-borne disease risks and emphasizing preventive measures like using insect repellent and controlling mosquito populations.
Durham Association of Educators announced a "Day of Protest" on Monday, leading to the closure of seven schools in Durham County. The protest is in response to the Durham Board of Education's postponement of discussions regarding payment issues for classified staff. The organization is advocating for fair compensation for classified staff, who have experienced unexpected alterations to their pay structure. The protests are a plea for the board's leadership to align with the needs of educators, with community support evident. The board is weighing two options for staff salary adjustments, and there are ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability regarding the budget discrepancies.