North Carolina Man Shot Graduate Student Girlfriend 8 Times After She Refused to Be in an ‘Exclusive’ Relationship
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA — A North Carolina man is facing decades in prison after admitting he shot his graduate school girlfriend eight times inside her home after she refused to be in an exclusive relationship with him, a violent attack that also left her roommate permanently injured.
Argument Turned Deadly Inside Durham Home
Stephon Dubose, 32, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder in the killing of 30-year-old Angela Marina Risi, according to court records. Prosecutors say the shooting happened early in the morning of Oct. 2, 2023, at a home in the 1000 block of Worth Street in Durham.
Police responded shortly after 7 a.m. to reports of a shooting and found Risi suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers later located her roommate inside a bedroom, also wounded by gunfire. Both victims were rushed to the hospital, where Risi was pronounced dead. Her roommate survived but sustained life-altering injuries.
‘Exclusive Relationship’ Dispute Led to Gunfire
According to investigators and statements from Risi’s family, the deadly confrontation stemmed from a disagreement over the future of the couple’s relationship. Risi’s father told local media that Dubose demanded an exclusive relationship, something his daughter did not want.
After arguing inside Dubose’s car, Risi exited the vehicle and returned to her home. Authorities say Dubose forced his way inside moments later.
“He broke in, chased her to the back of the house, and fired 11 rounds,” her father said. “She was shot eight times.”
Prosecutors say Dubose then entered a bedroom and shot Risi’s roommate three times before fleeing the scene.
Suspect Confessed After Self-Harm Incident
Roughly 30 minutes after the shooting, police were called to a separate home after Dubose allegedly began stabbing himself. Family members contacted authorities, and officers were able to disarm him.
According to a search warrant affidavit, Dubose told officers he had “shot a female in the face” and said he “couldn’t live anymore,” indicating awareness of the gravity of what he had done.
Victim Remembered as Bright, Talented Graduate Student
Angela Marina Risi was a second-year graduate student in the dance program at Duke University. University officials released a statement following her death, calling the loss devastating for the campus community.
Risi grew up in California and developed a lifelong passion for dance, studying ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. Friends and family described her as intelligent, joyful, and deeply loved. More than 200 people attended her celebration of life, with many more wishing they could be there.
Court Outcome and Sentencing Ahead
Dubose’s guilty plea includes charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder. Under the plea agreement, he is expected to be sentenced to between 35 and 44 years in prison. A formal sentencing date has not yet been announced.
Durham officials and community leaders have emphasized that no one should ever lose their life over relationship disagreements, calling the case a sobering example of how possessiveness and control can escalate into irreversible violence.
A Tragic Reminder About Relationship Violence
This case has reignited conversations about intimate partner violence and the warning signs that often precede it. Advocates stress the importance of recognizing controlling behavior early and seeking help before conflicts turn deadly.
If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship violence or stalking, local and national resources are available to help.
What do you think — should sentences in domestic violence murder cases be harsher, or is prevention the real solution? Share your thoughts and follow more breaking stories at CabarrusWeekly.com.
