DURHAM, NC – A 14-year-old suspect, already in custody for allegedly shooting at a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper during a high-speed chase in Orange County, is now facing first-degree murder charges for the killing of 15-year-old Ariyon “AJ” Clendenning in Durham.
Fatal Shooting of AJ Clendenning
According to the Durham Police Department (DPD), officers responded to reports of a shooting on January 11 in the 4800 block of Danube Lane. Upon arrival, they discovered Clendenning suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Two weeks later, on January 25, authorities say the 14-year-old suspect and a 15-year-old accomplice were involved in a police chase in Orange County. During the pursuit, suspects allegedly fired shots at a pursuing state trooper before being apprehended.
Murder Charges and Additional Offenses
On Tuesday, February 6, Durham police obtained a first-degree murder warrant for the 14-year-old suspect in connection with Clendenning’s death.
The suspect, whose identity remains withheld due to their age, now faces an extensive list of felony charges related to both the Durham homicide and the Orange County police chase:
Charges Related to the State Trooper Shooting:
• Attempted First-Degree Murder
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill
• Assault with a Firearm on a Law Enforcement Officer
• Possession of a Stolen Firearm
• Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
• Possession of a Firearm by a Minor
• Assault by Pointing a Firearm
• Discharging a Firearm from a Moving Vehicle
• Discharging a Firearm in City Limits
• Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer
• Damage to Personal Property (Four Counts)
Charges Related to Vehicle Theft and Fraud:
• Felony Breaking and Entering of a Motor Vehicle (Eight Counts)
• Felony Larceny of a Motor Vehicle (Six Counts)
• Financial Transaction Card Theft (Eight Counts)
• Financial Card Fraud (Seven Counts)
• Felony Conspiracy (Four Counts)
• Larceny of a Firearm (Two Counts)
• Misdemeanor Conspiracy (Two Counts)
• Felony Breaking and Entering with Theft Under $1,500
Legal Proceedings and Juvenile Justice Concerns
The 14-year-old remains in secure juvenile detention as legal proceedings move forward.
In North Carolina, juvenile suspects aged 16 or 17 charged with serious crimes can automatically be tried as adults. However, for 14- and 15-year-olds, prosecutors must petition for a transfer to adult court, a process that requires a district judge’s approval.
Durham and Orange County prosecutors have not yet confirmed whether they will seek to have the suspect tried as an adult.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The murder of AJ Clendenning and the violent police chase have sparked community-wide concerns over rising youth crime in Durham. Many residents are calling for stronger intervention programs to prevent similar incidents.
As the case unfolds, Durham officials are expected to review local crime prevention strategies and discuss potential juvenile justice reforms.
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