DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — ABC11 has learned new details about a shooting investigation that took the life of a North Carolina Central University (NCCU) student.
London Powers’ friend Shiann Boyd told ABC11 that Powers was in the midst of moving out of an apartment that she shared with her ex-boyfriend Damien Tinsley when she was killed in a murder-suicide.
“She was just so happy to finally be moving out, getting her own place,” Boyd said.
Boyd said she met London during her freshman year at Central.
“She was also saying, like, she would never deal with an old man like that again. She said she knows the signs to look for and she would just like, leave if a man ever came to her acting like that ever again,” Boyd said.
However, before that could happen, Durham Police received a call from the Camden Pointe Apartments on Monday afternoon.
Boyd said Tinsley, who once played football at Saint Augustine’s University, showed up unexpectedly.
There was a brief argument, then Boyd said Tinsley got physical with London. She said when London tried to call 911, things took a deadly turn.
I’m on the phone with the police, I’m screaming. I’m like, somebody please help me
“She says her address. She says he has a gun. And that’s literally all she was able to say,” said Boyd.
Boyd said Damien shot Powers, before turning the gun and firing a shot toward her. She was not hit, but she said that is when Tinsley made eye contact with her before taking his own life.
“I’m on the phone with the police, I’m screaming. I’m like, somebody please help me,” said Boyd.
Tinsley died at the scene, and Powers later died at the hospital.
“I just can’t believe London’s not here with me and it’s just crazy. I just really feel bad for her family because I just really feel bad for everybody,” said Boyd.
Boyd was a junior at NCCU, studying social work and preparing to intern at the Durham Center for Senior Life. She also worked at a local Walgreens.
Her death has shaken everyone.
“I feel shell shocked. You know, it doesn’t feel real,” said De’Andre Gainer, former coworker.
A balloon release will be held for Powers at the Walgreens on Holloway Street on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.