Durham Man Indicted for Murdering Co-Worker at Randy's Pizza Location

A Durham County grand jury indicted 30-year-old Isaiah Rawlinson on March 17, 2026, charging him with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Mohammed Aly, a fellow employee at Randy's Pizza on South Miami Boulevard in Durham, North Carolina.

The shooting happened the evening of February 26, 2026, inside the pizzeria's South Miami Boulevard location. Rawlinson and Aly both worked at the store. Multiple media reports, including coverage by WTVD, indicate that an argument between the two men inside the restaurant appears to have escalated into the gunfire. The Durham Police Department has not publicly released extensive details about what led up to the shooting.

Rawlinson, described in local reporting as a Morrisville man, was arraigned following the incident. A judge ordered him held in jail without bond, and a public defender was appointed to represent him. The March 17 indictment on first-degree murder is the most serious charge North Carolina law allows.

Randy Smith, owner of Randy's Pizza, released a statement expressing condolences and outlining the business's posture toward the ongoing investigation. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of our team member. This is an unimaginable loss. 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."

Randy's Pizza remains closed until further notice. Because the shooting occurred inside a place of business, both OSHA and the State Health Department are required to conduct investigations before the location can reopen, adding a regulatory layer to what is already a protracted law enforcement process. The killing has shaken employees and customers alike, according to local reporting.

The Durham Police Department has not announced a next court date for Rawlinson, and no motive has been officially confirmed. The case now moves into the formal trial process following the grand jury's action.