Afghanistan refugee finally became a US citizen. Days later, he was killed in Durham.

Cousins Yousaf Mangal and Ainzargul Totakhil dreamed of a life of peace, safety and security in the United States.

For nearly a decade, both men served as translators for American troops in their native Afghanistan, and in 2016, they were finally awarded visas and moved to North Carolina.

But on the night of Dec. 30 — just days after Totakhil became a U.S. citizen — he was shot and killed near Holloway Street in Durham. He was 40 years old.

“We are crying,” Mangal told The News & Observer. “Our hope has been destroyed. He was our hope.”

Durham Police have not named a suspect in the homicide and have not made any arrests. Police said the shooting “does not appear to be random” but did not say why.

Before Totakhil’s death, the two men worked as Uber drivers to help support family members still living in the Middle East. Among those family members are Totakhil’s pregnant wife and seven children who currently reside in Qatar.

To build on his cousin’s legacy, Mangal started a GoFundMe campaign with all money going to funeral expenses and to building a new life in the United States for Totakhil’s wife and children.

The fundraiser has been met with a wave of support from the community, including from Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam. As of Wednesday afternoon, Mangal has raised more than $55,000.

“This devastating act of violence is something too many refugees and asylum seekers are subject to,” Allam said in an email to her supporters, asking them to contribute to the fundraiser. “We won’t stand for it here in Durham, or anywhere.”

Totakhil’s Death

On the evening of Dec. 30, Mangal spoke to his cousin around 7:30 p.m., inviting him to dinner when he was done working. However, Totakhil stayed out late accepting Uber fares and never returned, according to Mangal.

Just after 4:30 a.m., Mangal was notified by Durham police that his cousin has been shot and killed.

Uber has also been in contact with law enforcement and is offering support to the family, according to a company spokesperson.

As he grieves his lifelong companion and relative, Mangal described his cousin as an “outstanding, kind, hard-working man of his word” who had a deep devotion to his family and community.

Mangal is planning for the funeral to take place later this week, pending the arrival of Totakhil’s wife and children from Qatar.

Despite overwhelming sorrow, Mangal said he and Totakhil shared a deep gratitude for being in the United States.

“We are still dreaming for a peaceful life in America,” Mangal said. “We are still dreaming the American dream.”