American Tobacco Trail stabbing was not random, but Durham police still need help
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- Police say Monday’s stabbing on the American Tobacco Trail wasn’t random.
- First responders found Chesleigh Lyons, 51, near a grass field after about 30 minutes.
- Anyone on the trail between 3 and 4:30 p.m. Monday should contact Investigator H. Nobles.
A fatal stabbing Monday afternoon on the American Tobacco Trail in Durham wasn’t a random attack, police said Wednesday.
Police were called to a portion of the trail near Pilot and Fayetteville streets about 4:15 p.m. Monday, The News & Observer previously reported.
First responders searched for the victim for about 30 minutes before finding him near a grass field 100 yards from the trailhead near Fayetteville Street Elementary School, radio traffic indicates.
Chesleigh Lyons, 51, of Durham died in the attack, police said Wednesday.
“At this time, there is no danger to the general public, and this incident does not appear to be a random attack on individuals using the trail,” a police spokesperson wrote in an email.
Anyone who traveled on the trail between 3 and 4:30 p.m. Monday is asked to contact Investigator H. Nobles at 919-560-4440 ext. 29544 with any information they may have.
This story was originally published March 11, 2026 at 3:30 PM.
