Durham search finds 12 spent rounds, rifle after man reports killing roommate
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Investigators recovered multiple rifles, a Ruger 10/22 and 12 .22 shell casings.
- Joseph Stevens admitted the Dec. 22 shooting; victim John Tyler found with multiple wounds.
- Stevens charged with first-degree murder, held without bond; court appearance set Jan. 29.
A search warrant says Durham County Sheriff’s Office investigators recovered a dozen rifle shell casings and multiple weapons in December after charging a man with shooting his roommate.
Joseph Donald Stevens, 50, called 911 after the Dec. 22 shooting and admitted shooting his roommate, according to a search warrant obtained this week by The News & Observer.
Sheriff’s deputies were called to the brick, ranch home on Ardsley Drive in northeast Durham just after 5 a.m. and found John Edward Tyler, 54, with multiple gunshot wounds.
Stevens was charged with first-degree murder and placed in the Durham County jail, where he continues to be held without bail.
In a search of the home on Dec. 22, investigators found 12 spent shell casings from a .22-caliber rifle scattered inside, a .22-caliber projectile, a .22-caliber Ruger 10/22 with a loaded magazine clip, and additional ammunition, according to the search warrant.
Investigators also seized the victim’s Android phone, wallet and watch band, Stevens’ iPhone, a silver HP laptop, a VS Rock Island 1903 Arsenal bolt-action rifle, and a Benjamin Pioneer Airbow rifle.
In the 911 call, Stevens admitted shooting Tyler after an argument, the search warrant states. He also told the 911 operator that he was stabbed, but investigators did not find any blood on him or injuries, it says.
Stevens also denied needing medical treatment, deputies reported.
“The Sheriff’s Office is familiar with both subjects due to multiple prior incidents between them at this address. Anything that stemmed from one person stealing from another to disputes,” the warrant states. “Mr. Stevens also owned the residence next door and at one point had rented out the house to Mr. Tyler. So there is known history between the two subjects.”
Stevens is scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 29.
This story was originally published January 8, 2026 at 7:30 AM with the headline "Durham search finds 12 spent rounds, rifle after man reports killing roommate."
