DURHAM, NC – Angela Marina Risi was remembered as a vibrant and compassionate young woman whose life was cut tragically short in a shooting that shook her community and left her family searching for answers. Risi, 30, was killed in her home last October after her former boyfriend, Stephon Dubose, forced his way inside, ending her life and wounding her roommate.
According to investigators, Risi became the target of a deadly attack over a disagreement about the direction of her relationship with Dubose. The incident unfolded early in the morning on October 2, 2023, when police responded to a report of gunfire on Worth Street. Arriving officers found both Risi and her roommate suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both women were rushed to a hospital, but Risi did not survive her injuries.
Dubose, 32, who was known by the nickname “Jimmy,” later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder as part of a plea agreement. He now faces between 35 and 44 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been announced.
Friends and family say Risi’s loss resonates deeply. She was pursuing her passion as a second-year graduate student in the dance program at Duke University. Her love for dance began in her childhood in California, where she immersed herself in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance. Colleagues and classmates described her as driven and joyful, qualities that made her a central figure in her academic and artistic communities.
Risi’s father, Matteo Risi, said his daughter was “really wonderful”—bright, intelligent, and always filled with a sense of fun. He recalled that more than 200 people attended Angela’s celebration of life, a testament to the many who cherished her presence and spirit.
Investigators detailed that the violence erupted after an argument between Risi and Dubose about the future of their relationship. When Risi turned down his request for exclusivity, Dubose followed her inside her home, breaking in and firing eleven rounds, eight of which struck Risi. Afterward, he turned his weapon on Risi’s roommate, who survived but was left with permanent injuries.
Shortly after the shooting, Dubose reportedly appeared at a family member’s residence and attempted to inflict harm on himself before police intervened. Authorities later recounted that Dubose confessed to the shooting when taken into custody.
The tragedy has had lasting effects beyond Risi’s immediate circle. A member of the Durham City Council, who lived next to the victims, expressed sorrow over the situation, stressing that conflict should never escalate to such violence.
Duke University mourned the loss alongside the local community, extending its condolences and describing the collective shock felt by those who knew Risi.
In remembering Angela Risi, friends and family continue to emphasize not the brutality of her final moments, but the joy and kindness she brought to those around her. Her legacy, they say, is rooted in her artistic accomplishments, academic dedication, and the warmth she shared with all who knew her.