MURFREESBORO – Flags are flying at half-staff here at Chowan University as students and staff mourn the murder of one of their own.

DaMarco Trevon Duncan, 21, a student from Temple Hills, Maryland, was gunned down in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 5 at an off-campus party.

Hertford County Sheriff Juan Vaughan said no suspect has yet to be developed in the case.

“We’re working the case very hard and have developed some leads, but no one has been arrested at this time,” Vaughan said Sunday morning.

Vaughan said the shooting occurred at Sandy Shores Lounge, an establishment located just north of Murfreesboro off US 258.

“Sandy Shores no longer operates as an everyday establishment; to my understanding the man who owns it rents it out for parties and I was told that was the case Friday night / Saturday morning as it was rented for a party by Chowan students,” the Sheriff stated.

He said the call came into his office at 1:35 a.m. Saturday regarding gunfire at the party and someone had been shot in the stomach. Vaughan said the victim was not at the scene upon the arrival of his deputies.

“We received another call, one referencing that the victim was being transported by a private vehicle to RCH (Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie),” Vaughan stated. “Mr. Duncan was pronounced dead at the hospital.”

Vaughan said he was not aware at this time if Duncan suffered more than one gunshot wound.

“There will be an autopsy performed on Monday; we’ll know more at that time if the victim was shot more than once,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the mood is a somber one at Chowan University.

“At Chowan University, we are family,” said Dr. M. Christopher White, university president. “We have lost one of our own over the weekend. DaMarco Duncan was a man of promise and potential. The University asks for prayers for the family, loved ones and friends of the deceased during this tragic time.

“I have ordered our flags to be flown at half-mast and we will share a moment of silence and prayer during this week’s events. A grief counselor has spoken to our students on campus and is available as needed. Our campus ministry team and University counselors also continue to be available as needed,” White added.

A memorial service for the Chowan University community to honor the life and memory of DaMarco Duncan will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9 in Turner Auditorium.

In a related matter, Sherriff Vaughan said an unruly crowd showed up at the hospital early Saturday morning, prompting the Sheriff to send additional deputies there as well as asking Ahoskie Police officers for assistance. He said there were several arrests made.