Durham Daily Local Headlines: Fatal pizza shop shooting, NC-147 gunfire case, and key development updates
Durham, NC – February 27, 2026 – Police charged a coworker in a south Durham pizza shop killing as another shooting hit NC-147; jobs, zoning and bourbon news.
Durham wrapped up the workweek with a mix of urgent public-safety updates, city-growth disputes, and a bright spot for a homegrown brand.
1) Fatal shooting at south Durham pizza shop
Police say a worker was killed Thursday at a shopping center on South Miami Boulevard. Family members identified the victim as Mohammed Aly. A coworker, Isaiah Rawlinson, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Court records cited in coverage indicate he is being held without bond, with a next court appearance scheduled for March 18.
The business said the location would remain closed for the time being as the investigation continues.
2) Gunfire investigation on NC-147
In a separate case early Friday, police investigated a shooting on NC-147 that left a man injured. Officials have released limited details publicly so far, and the incident remained under investigation as the morning commute got underway.
3) Incentive deals canceled for projects tied to Durham County jobs
State commerce officials voted this week to terminate several economic-development incentive agreements. Among them were deals connected to planned expansions in Durham County that had promised hundreds of jobs and major investment. In the cases described publicly, officials pointed to missed hiring targets and/or failures to file required reports, and noted that the state had not issued incentive payments under those agreements.
4) Neighbors push to revisit Pickett Road rezoning near Sandy Creek Park
A neighborhood petition is asking City Council to rescind a previously approved rezoning tied to a proposed 140-unit apartment project near Sandy Creek Park. Opponents cite flooding, traffic safety, and environmental concerns, and point to an earlier recommendation for denial from the local planning commission. Supporters of the project have argued the plan can meet city requirements; the next step is whether council places the rescission request on an agenda.
5) Old Hillside Bourbon highlights Durham roots
A Durham-founded bourbon brand profiled this week says its name and storytelling are designed as a tribute to Hillside High School and wider Black history. The founders said the company grew from distributing hundreds of cases in its first year to an expectation of about 10,000 cases this year, with labels that spotlight specific historical chapters.
Sources
https://www.wral.com/news/local/police-randys-miami-durham-february-2026/
https://www.wral.com/video/durham-police-say-man-injured-in-shooting-on-nc-147/22329282/
https://www.wral.com/news/local/north-carolina-terminates-incentives-six-companies-1500-jobs-feb-2026/
https://hoodline.com/2026/02/durham-park-neighbors-blast-bad-faith-deal-on-pickett-road-rezoning/
https://abc11.com/post/nc-made-durhams-old-hillside-bourbon-toasts-black-heritage-bottle-time/18657430/
