Two now charged with murder in shooting that killed Durham rapper, injured woman
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- Court records show Aryahna Kiara Mangum faces murder charge in Durham rapper's death.
- Arrest warrant lists murder, assault with deadly weapon and two conspiracy counts.
- Victim Irease Jeffrey was shot on Jan. 4 while driving; passenger survived.
This story was updated Feb. 5, 2026, after the arrest of a second suspect in the case.
Two people are now charged with killing Durham rapper Irease Jeffrey and injuring a woman in the car he was driving in January.
Aryahna Kiara Mangum, 26, was charged Jan. 22 with four felonies, according to her arrest warrant:
- One count of murder
- One count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflicting serious injury
- Two counts of felony conspiracy
Mangum was being held without bail at the Durham County jail, court records show.
On Thursday, Feb. 5, police announced they had charged a second suspect, Tony Scott II, 25, with the same crimes.
Jeffrey and a woman were driving on Hillsborough Road in Durham the night of Jan. 4 when another car pulled up to the passenger side of their 2024 Chevy Malibu and someone inside shot both of them, The News & Observer previously reported.
Jeffrey, the driver, was shot in the neck and pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was shot in the head but survived. Police last said on Jan. 9 that she was in critical but stable condition.
Scott was the driver of the other car and Mangum was the passenger in that car, police said.
‘Pure heart, raw truth’
‘Jeffrey, who went by Billy Resio, published songs like “No Lie,” “Bonnie and Clyde” and “Labeled Me Top Shotta” under the record label Rich Nation Entertainment. Rich Nation CEO Michael Mitchell wrote in a Jan. 5 tribute on Facebook that Jeffrey “wasn’t just talent — he was pure heart, raw truth, hunger, and loyalty.”
Jeffrey attended Durham School of the Arts and had a son and daughter, according to his obituary. He earned recognition for his lyrics and music videos but “remained remarkably humble, known for a generous spirit and a willingness to assist anyone in need.”
“He was deeply appreciative of the small blessings in life — a kind word, a family meal, or a shared laugh — and never permitted his talents to overshadow his generous heart,” the obituary states.
Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call Investigator D. Hall at 919-560-4440 ext. 29319 or CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200, or online at durhamcrimestoppers.org. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases and callers never have to identify themselves.
This story was originally published January 23, 2026 at 9:06 AM.
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