DURHAM, NC – A Durham man is facing a lengthy prison sentence after admitting to fatally shooting his girlfriend and wounding her roommate during a violent outburst linked to a dispute over their relationship.

Stephon Dubose, 32, pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder in the killing of 30-year-old Angela Marina Risi, prosecutors say. Per the terms of the plea agreement, Dubose is expected to receive a sentence ranging from 35 to 44 years in prison.

Authorities responded to a shooting at a home on Worth Street just after 7 a.m. on October 2, 2023. When officers arrived, Risi was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and her roommate, who had also been shot, was discovered in a nearby bedroom. Both women were transported to the hospital, but Risi was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Her roommate survived but sustained injuries resulting in permanent disability.

Investigators determined that Dubose, who reportedly went by the nickname “Jimmy,” had forced his way into the house after Risi ended a disagreement with him in his car. According to witnesses, the argument stemmed from Dubose’s insistence on an exclusive relationship, which Risi declined. After their exchange, Risi exited Dubose’s vehicle and entered her home, where Dubose soon followed.

Court papers and family statements indicate that Dubose broke into the house, chased Risi to the rear of the residence, and fired multiple shots at her using a 9-millimeter handgun. He then entered a bedroom where her roommate was located and shot her three times. Despite sustaining multiple wounds, the roommate survived the attack.

Roughly 30 minutes after the shooting, officers received a separate call about a stabbing on Tranquil Road. Responding officers encountered Dubose at his family’s home, where he was reportedly attempting to harm himself with a knife. Police intervened and disarmed him. During the encounter, Dubose admitted to officers that he had just shot a woman and expressed an intention not to return to prison, according to law enforcement records.

Angela Risi’s father, Matteo Risi, recounted the events leading up to his daughter’s death, noting that she had recently argued with Dubose about the state of their relationship. Matteo described his daughter as bright, loving, and deeply committed to her friends and family, recalling that over 200 people attended her celebration of life.

Risi was a second-year graduate student at Duke University, pursuing a degree in dance. Duke officials expressed shock and grief over her death, reflecting the loss felt by both the campus community and those who knew her. Friends and family remember her early passion for dance, a discipline she pursued since childhood, excelling in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap.

Neighbors and city leaders shared concerns about the days leading up to the tragedy. A city council member who lived next to Risi’s home said the couple’s arguments had become increasingly audible in recent days. She urged community reflection, stating that disagreements should never lead to violence.

As of now, no sentencing date has been set for Dubose. Prosecutors confirm he will be serving several decades in prison under the plea agreement, bringing some measure of closure for Risi’s family. The roommate continues her recovery as loved ones and the local community remember Risi’s vibrant legacy.