Durham police charge man with first-degree murder in woman’s death Saturday

Durham police charged a man with first-degree murder after the death of a woman on N.C. 55 on Saturday afternoon.

Patrick Whitaker Jr., 56, of Durham was also charged with stealing a motor vehicle, a felony, and misdemeanor larceny. He is being held in the Durham County Jail without bail.

Police accused Whitaker of killing Jennifer Moore, 45, of Durham. They have not released any details including if Whitaker and Moore knew each other.

Prior to charging Whitaker, police described the incident as “isolated.”

Officers were called to the 5300 block of N.C. 55 around 2:30 on a frigid Saturday afternoon, according to a news release. The stretch of highway, near Sedwick Road, is lined with offices and self-storage buildings.

The investigation focused on the SecurCare Self Storage on N.C. 55, according to ABC11.

Police say their investigation is not complete. They ask anyone with information about the incident to contact Investigator Sokal at 919-560-4440, ext. 29238, or CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards and allows callers to remain anonymous.