Durham Randy’s Pizza Employee Mohammed Aly Shot Dead; Coworker Faces Murder Charge

Mohammed Aly was shot and pronounced dead inside the Randy’s Pizza on South Miami Boulevard in south Durham after officers responded to a call just before 5 p.m. on Thursday, and a coworker, 30-year-old Isaiah Rawlinson of Morrisville, was arrested at the scene and later charged with first-degree murder. Rawlinson is being held without bond and was assigned a public defender at his arraignment, with a next court date set for March 18.

Court records show Rawlinson is an employee at the South Miami Boulevard Randy’s Pizza and that he has no prior convictions. Durham police took Rawlinson into custody at the restaurant; prosecutors filed the murder charge the following day and he appeared in court on Friday. The victim was identified by family members as Mohammed Aly and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Randy’s Pizza posted on Facebook that the Miami Boulevard location "would be closed until further notice" and released a statement saying, "We are heartbroken by the tragic incident that occurred [Thursday] at our Miami [Boulevard]. location" and "We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of our team member. This is an unimaginable loss." The post, attributed to owner Randy Smith, added, "We are cooperating fully with law enforcement during their investigation. Because this is an active investigation, we cannot provide additional details at this time. We ask for privacy and respect for those affected."

Because the shooting occurred inside a place of business, OSHA and the North Carolina State Health Department must investigate before the pizzeria can reopen. Local reporting has noted that multiple state investigations will be required; Durham police are leading the criminal probe but have not released extensive details about what led to the gunfire. The circumstances surrounding what led to the shooting are not known.

At the scene several police cars were parked in the restaurant parking lot while investigators worked inside the store. The killing has unsettled staff and patrons in the shopping center and in the neighborhood, a local account described the episode as "a killing that has shaken employees and customers alike."

Rawlinson’s arraignment papers list his employment at Randy’s Pizza and his lack of prior convictions; his next scheduled court appearance is March 18. The restaurant remains closed as criminal investigators and state safety officials review the scene and determine what will be required to clear the location for reopening.