Akilah Davis, WTVD-TV (Durham, NC) Journalist Profile

Articles

Neighbors shocked to hear of man's arrest in Garner kidnapping case: 'Kind of scary'

1 week ago | abc11.com | Akilah Davis

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The third suspect in the Garner kidnapping was arrested Friday morning and brought into the Wake County Detention Center. Authorities identified him as 37-year-old Eleodoro "Leo" Estrada-Hernandez. He is one of the three people suspected of kidnapping a young mother and her 11-month-old baby. ABC11 spoke to some of his neighbors, who said they had no idea that he was at the center of a kidnapping investigation. "It's kind of scary because I have kids here, you know?
'The city is not their babysitter'

2 weeks ago | abc11.com | Akilah Davis

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin is taking a bold stance on tackling gun violence and youth crime. He said there have been 374 incidents involving children in the first three months of the year, and that is not acceptable. "I think we're in a critical moment that either we get control of this and take back our community, or we allow this to continue, and I don't think that's an acceptable outcome," Colvin said.
'Lives on in perpetuity'

2 weeks ago | abc11.com | Akilah Davis

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Fayetteville State University (FSU) has taken steps to ensure that the names of its seven founders live on in perpetuity by renaming its dormitories after them. Students like junior nursing major Ayanna Rouse now feel pride when waking the halls of her dorm Bryant Hall. She likes that the HBCU is celebrating the seven men who saw education as a priority in 1867, which was two years after the Civil War ended.
'Fast growing state'

2 weeks ago | abc11.com | Akilah Davis

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Despite the economic challenges facing the nation, major companies have announced that they will continue to invest in North Carolina. It's one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, and experts believe that is likely one of the reasons why companies are not pulling out and cancelling their investments. "We're one of the fastest-growing states. We have an attractive workforce, highly skilled, motivated. People are moving here.
Durham's Downtown blueprint for 2035 aims to 'create destinations that draw people in'

3 weeks ago | abc11.com | Akilah Davis

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Downtown Durham's vision for 2035 is a bright one that includes its rich history, culture and growth. Its vibrancy was a big draw for Amber Brennan who just opened a second location of her business Rose & Lee nine months ago. Her first business venture for the women's clothing boutique is in Apex. "We saw an opportunity here in Durham for a great, vibrant community," she said. She believes what makes the downtown Durham location unique is the foot traffic from events.
Catholic community in Raleigh mourns, share memories of Pope Francis: 'Big loss'

3 weeks ago | abc11.com | Akilah Davis

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Profound grief and disbelief are felt throughout the Roman Catholic community following the passing of Pope Francis. Parishioners at Sacred Heart Catholic Church reacted to his death. "It's a big loss to our community and to the world," said Francoise LaPierre. Alyssa Pitstick described Pope Francis' passing as the loss of a family member.
'Really devastating'

3 weeks ago | abc11.com | Akilah Davis

GOLDSBORO, N.C. (WTVD) -- There are still many questions Jennifer Allio and her loved ones have nine months after her first cousin, Caitlin Hodges was reported missing. Their questions come after the Wayne County Sheriff's Office confirmed that human remains found last fall in a wooded area were of 29-year-old Hodges. "We want an end to this for my family," said Allio.
'You took someone away from family'

4 weeks ago | abc11.com | Akilah Davis

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- The boyfriend of the Fayetteville woman whose remains were found in a body of water in Robeson County was arrested in connection with her death. Tyrique Williams, 26, is being charged with First Degree Murder and Concealment of Death. The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office said Williams is also facing dismemberment charges. He was arrested by U.S. Army CID at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and transported to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office in Waynesville, Missouri.
'She left too early'

4 weeks ago | abc11.com | Akilah Davis

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- City councilwoman Courtney Banks-McLaughlin is turning a tragedy into triumph two years after losing her oldest daughter, Coryonna Treasure Young in an accidental shooting. The family is still heartbroken, but intentional about keeping her legacy alive. She established a memorial endowment through the Cumberland County Foundation in honor of her 15-year-old daughter.
'10 percent increase'

1 month ago | abc11.com | Akilah Davis

CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Every Friday is game night at Hangar 18 Hobbies. Gamers Ryan Kelly and Brandon Jimenez are setting up for the tabletop game Warhammer 40,000. "Typically, me and my buddy play every Friday just casually trying to get better at the game," said Brandon Jimenez. "It's Chaos-Based Marines vs. Emperor's Children."Kelly likes to add models to his collection and he's noticed he's had to pay more when buying from third party sellers overseas as of late.