Durham man sentenced to life in prison for 2022 murder of navy veteran

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — A Durham man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 2022 murder of U.S. Navy veteran.

Frederick Johnson was found guilty of first-degree murder after prosecutors said he shot Derek Sterling on Hillsborough Road. He was also sentenced to a consecutive term of 14 to 32 months for a charge of conspiracy to discharge a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear.

“This violent murderer will spend life in prison for his crimes,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “My office will always work with law enforcement to get dangerous criminals off our streets and keep our communities safe.”

On August 30, 2022, investigators reported that the gunman pulled up beside Sterling and opened fire. Sterling fled into a nearby store where he collapsed and died.

Johnson then drove to a home, where he was captured on camera saying he used a handgun to shoot someone, and the victim ran off after he was shot. The Durham Police Department arrested and charged Johnson a few days later.