Police appeal to public for tips in deaths of teenage girl, man shot in Hillsborough

Hillsborough police are asking for the public’s help after finding two people shot dead in a car Monday morning.

The bodies of a 16-year-old girl from Hillsborough and De’Anthony Letrelle Morgan, 20, of La Grange in Lenoir County, were discovered at the end of Cardinal Drive near Interstate 85 about 6:40 a.m., a news release stated.

They appeared to have been killed inside the car late Sunday night, according to police. Several evidence markers as well as yellow tape surrounded a Dodge Charger.

The girl’s family identified her as Zikera Wardlow and said she was on the girls basketball team at Discovery Charter School in Durham, according to ABC11, The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner.

“She’s an awesome girl. She had a career ahead of her,” family friend Sharin Murphy told ABC11. “She was on her way to do big things. She was always out here playing basketball. She beats everyone on the court — male or female.

“She was just an all-around girl. Everybody around here loved her,” Murphy said. “That’s why it’s so shocking.”

Orange County Schools sent a notice to families to express their sadness about Wardlow’s death. She attended Cedar Ridge High in the 2023-24 school year and played basketball there. Counselors are available for students and staff, according to the email.

Discovery Charter also released a statement.

“Though ‘Z.’ as she was often called, had only this year joined our Trailblazer family, she was already known as a bright, kind, respectful, and valued member of our school community,’ said Toni Shellady, director of Discovery Charter. “She was a member of our high school girls basketball team and had made many friends and integrated well into our Trailblazer community in the short time she was a Discovery student.

“Zikera’s presence brought joy to classmates and teachers alike, and she will be deeply missed,” Shellady said. “During this heartbreaking time, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Zikera’s family, friends, and all those who knew and loved her.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help pay Morgan’s funeral expenses

“DeAnthony was a hard working young man,” organizer and “mother in love” Shameka McDowell wrote on the page. “He was enrolled in college at Lenoir Community College.”

“Our children are supposed to bury their parents,” she wrote. “Parents should not have to bury their children due to gun violence.”

The State Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Hillsborough Police Department, which has released no other information such as a possible suspect or motive.

Hillsborough police repeated their appeal for help Tuesday.

“We would love to have some tips and cooperation from the public,” said Maj. Jason Winn, assistant police chief. “We need as much help as we can get from the public.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Andrew Jones at 919-296-9562 or by email. Anonymous tips can be reported by calling 919-296-9555 or using the See it, Say it, Send it website, iOS app or Android app.

This story was originally published January 2, 2025 at 8:49 AM with the headline "Police appeal to public for tips in deaths of teenage girl, man shot in Hillsborough."