Crime

Raleigh man charged with murder after early morning assault

News & Observer breaking photo featuring handcuffs, used for arrests
A Raleigh man has been charged with murder after another man died in an early morning assault, police said Tuesday. The News & Observer

A Raleigh man has been charged with murder after another man died in an early morning assault, police said Tuesday.

Raleigh police said Jonathan Daniel Lee, 29, has been arrested and charged with murder.

Police were called at 4:09 a.m. to check on the welfare of someone in an apartment on Auston Grove Drive.

They found William Hala, 24, who “appeared to be a victim of an assault,” police said. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died, police said.

No further details were released.

Auston Grove Drive is east of downtown Raleigh, off New Bern Avenue.

Anyone who believes they may have information that might assist the investigation is asked to call the Raleigh Police Department at 919-996-3335 or visit Crimestoppers at www.raleighcrimestoppers.org and click “Leave a Tip” on the top right of the page.

This story was originally published July 8, 2025 at 10:30 PM.

Jessica Banov
The News & Observer
Jessica Banov is a news editor and audience growth specialist at The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun. She was part of the team from The N&O and The Charlotte Observer that was named a 2025 Pulitzer Prize finalist for Breaking News for coverage of Hurricane Helene. She also serves as The N&O’s intern program coordinator. 
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