3 years after Durham photographer’s killing, second man charged with murder
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- Durham police charged Marcel Woods with murder in 2022 killing of Tyler Young.
- Court records allege brothers conspired to rob Young, stealing watches and more.
- Both suspects remain in jail; Marcel accused of refusing to aid investigators.
Almost three years after a Durham photographer was fatally shot, court records show a second man has been charged with murder in the killing.
Tyler Austin Young, 25, was killed just before midnight Nov. 21, 2022, The News & Observer previously reported. After initially arresting the wrong man, Durham police charged one of their own, Marcus Keith Anthony Woods, a week later. Woods was a non-sworn department employee who worked with office supplies, The N&O reported at the time.
Now, court records indicate Woods’ brother, 28-year-old Marcel Woods of Greensboro, has also been charged in Young’s death.
After first being indicted Oct. 7, 2024, on a charge of accessory after the fact to murder, Marcel Woods’ charges were upgraded Aug. 4 to first-degree murder, felonious breaking and entering to terrorize or injure and conspiracy to commit felonious breaking and entering to terrorize or injure, according to the indictment.
Marcel Woods was initially accused of driving his brother away from the crime scene and taking him to a Raleigh hospital knowing he’d killed Young, according to court documents. It’s not clear what Marcus Woods’ reported injuries were.
But a grand jury found that the brothers allegedly conspired to rob Young at gunpoint that night, breaking into his Taylor Street home to steal several watches and a video game controller, according to court documents. Marcus Woods was indicted the same day on charges of first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, felonious breaking and entering to terrorize and conspiracy to commit felonious breaking and entering to terrorize or injure.
Court documents also accuse Marcel Woods of refusing to cooperate with law enforcement “despite multiple attempts to communicate with him.”
Young was a graduate of UNC Pembroke and ran his own photography business, according to social media posts from family and friends.
“Tyler is known for his charismatic personality, infectious smile, humor and enormous heart,” a Gofundme for his family states. “Tyler made a huge impact on anyone who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him.”
Young is survived by his parents, sister, paternal grandparents and “fur baby Leo,” according to his obituary.
Both Woods brothers remained in the Durham County jail as of Wednesday morning.
