19-year-old's death marks second homicide of the year in Morrisville
New leads have emerged in the investigation into the death of 19-year-old Semar Barbour, but police say it's too early to provide details.
Barbour was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in the backseat of his car in Morrisville, on Monday. He had been reported missing from Durham, North Carolina, on October 23.
Morrisville Police Chief Pete Acosta said the investigation into the death of Barbour marks only the second homicide of the year for the department. In 2022, there were no homicides in Morrisville.
"It's a bit of a shock to the conscience," Acosta said. "We understand this is a tragedy to a lot of folks."
Over the weekend, Barbour's family and friends took to the streets of Durham to search for him, following his disappearance. It wasn't until weeks later that neighbors in Morrisville contacted the police about a man who appeared to be sleeping in the backseat of a car.
"We don’t know of any associates or family that he may have in Morrisville," Acosta said.
One man, who wishes to remain anonymous for safety reasons, is living on edge after a body was found close to his doorstep.
"never thought of this thing happening in our community," Morrisville Neighbor said.
Investigators are now trying to piece together how Barbour’s body was found miles away from Durham.
"Going to follow up with friends, family, try to find out a pattern where he may have been and how he ended up here in Morrisville," Acosta said.
Family and friends launched a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.
Police are seeking to determine if Barbour was killed in Durham and then moved to Morrisville
