Duke Dance Student Killed, Roommate Injured in Jealous Rage; Attacker Pleads Guilty
DURHAM, N.C. — A North Carolina man faces decades in prison after admitting to the fatal shooting of his girlfriend, a promising Duke University dance student, and the severe wounding of her roommate in a violent outburst last fall. The motive, according to court proceedings, was a rejected demand for an exclusive relationship.
Stephon Dubose, 32, entered a guilty plea last month to one count of second-degree murder in the death of 30-year-old Angela Risi and one count of attempted murder for shooting Risi's roommate. Online court records indicate a plea agreement mandates a prison sentence of 35 to 44 years.
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of October 2, 2023. Durham police officers responding to a 911 call at a residence on Worth Street found both women with multiple gunshot wounds. According to police reports, Dubose had forced his way into the home after an argument, chased Risi through the house, and fired 11 rounds from a 9mm handgun, striking her eight times. He then entered the roommate's bedroom and shot her three times before fleeing.
Both victims were rushed to a hospital, where Risi was pronounced dead. Her roommate survived but sustained life-altering injuries. Approximately thirty minutes after the initial call, police located Dubose at another location; he had stabbed himself and made statements admitting to the shooting, authorities said.
"The District Attorney explained that he had wanted an exclusive relationship with Angela. She didn't want that," Matteo Risi, the victim's father, told local media after a court hearing. "She left his car, went into her house... He broke in."
Angela Risi, originally from San Diego, was a second-year Master of Fine Arts student in Duke's dance program, described by her family as a vibrant and talented artist. A GoFundMe organized by her sister memorialized her as "a gentle and compassionate soul... quirky, eccentric, and bursting with intelligence and talent."
Legal experts note the plea deal spares the victims' families and the surviving roommate the ordeal of a trial. Dubose's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment following the plea.
Community Reaction:
"This is a devastating loss of a brilliant young artist. It highlights the urgent need for better support systems on campus and in our community for those experiencing coercive or threatening behavior in relationships," said Dr. Evelyn Reed, a professor of sociology at a local college.
"What a monstrous act. To end a life and destroy another over wounded pride and possessiveness is the ultimate cowardice. The sentence, while long, can never restore what was stolen," commented Marcus Thorne, a community advocate and former neighbor of the Risi family.
"As a fellow graduate student, this hits too close to home. We often feel safe in our academic bubbles, but this is a horrific reminder that violence can intrude anywhere. My heart breaks for her roommate, who has to live with the physical and emotional scars," shared Priya Sharma, a Duke PhD candidate.
"Where were the red flags? These cases are never truly out of the blue. We need to stop romanticizing jealousy and start treating it as the serious warning sign it is," argued David Kline, a writer and podcast host focused on true crime, striking a more critical tone.