Chapel Hill Shooting 3 Muslim shot and killed: The family of Deah Barakat, a Muslim college student who was shot to death along with his wife and sister-in-law, released a statement on Wednesday in a press conference (CNN) -- The three people slain in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, "were gems of their communities and left a lasting impression on the people around them," Suzanne Barakat, sister of slaying victim Deah Barakat, told reporters. "They inspired us. They served as role models to the youth. We ask that you celebrate the memories of our family members. We are still in a state of shock and will never be able to make sense of this horrendous tragedy." Slain Chapel Hill students remembered as caring, charitable (WRAL) Chapel Hill, N.C. — Caring for others and thinking of more than themselves is how Deah Shaddy Barakat and Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha lived their lives – especially when it came to children. Barakat talked about opening a clinic for children after finishing dental school, said Imad Ahmad, his friend and former roommate. “I just can’t explain how impactful he is in everybody’s life, especially mine,” he said. “I was in a troubled state when I met him and as soon as I met him he became a foundation for me.” Barakat, 23, his wife, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21, and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19, were each found shot in the head Tuesday evening at Finley Forest condominiums on Summerwalk Circle in Durham County. Craig Stephen Hicks, 46, who lives in the complex, surrendered to Chatham County authorities following the shootings and is charged with three counts of first-degree murder. Investigators believe the triple-shooting was over a possible parking dispute, although authorities said they haven’t ruled out the possibility that the motive was bias. “Six weeks ago, I cried tears of joy at my baby brother’s wedding,” said Barakat’s oldest sister, Dr. Suzanne Barakat, during a Wednesday afternoon press conference. “Today we are crying tears of unimaginable pain over the execution style murders of my brother Deah, his bride, Yusor, and her younger sister and best friend, Razan.” Suzanne Barakat said her brother was well-known for his kindness, lightheartedness, dedication to community service and his loves for basketball and “anything Steph Curry,” an all-star basketball player for the Golden State Warriors who previously played for Davidson College. She described the couple as “kindred spirits,” and said her youngest sister-in-law was creative, generous and a loyal friend. At the UNC School of Dentistry, Barakat, a second-year student, was well-liked around the school, said Jane Weintraub, school dean. “His 1000-watt smile, his way of truly getting to know those around him,” she said. “His incredible heart for service, his generosity, his leadership and much more.” In an online article titled “My best friend was killed and I don’t know why,” Amira Ata, a Raleigh woman who knew Yusor Abu-Salha since the third grade, credits her friend for who she is today. “She always put others ahead of herself, just like her husband, Deah Barakat,” Ata said in an article on the website for Fusion, a cable network. “I am the person I am today because of her. She’s a really sweet person, you never catch her angry. She’s patient, very loving, like her mom, she’s caring. She’s a good person.” Ata, a teacher at a Raleigh private school, recalled how Yusor Abu-Salha helped deliver toothbrushes and dental floss her students collected for those in need in Turkey. Abu-Salha paid extra baggage fees to have the items delivered, she said. Yusor Abu-Salha grew up interested in the helping side of medicine – her dad is a psychiatrist and her mother helps with his practice, Ata said. “I feel sad, but I also feel happy because she didn’t die alone,” she said in the article. “I’m not really sure how I feel exactly. I wish I could see her again — last time I saw her was Sunday. We were just talking about pictures she had posted from her surprise bridal shower in the mountains. I was planning on seeing her tomorrow, just to hang out. It’s just very unreal. It doesn’t make sense. I’m trying to stay faithful.” Mohammad Abu-Salha, the father of Yusor and Razan, also had difficulty coming to terms with their deaths. "I don't even know how to feel yet," he said. "They lived a clean life, never gave us a bad day," he added. "We raised them in our faith. We raised them to love their country and their people, and everybody’s heart is broken. Everybody. All walks of life. The whole city did not sleep last night." video footage caught on tape cellphone camera surveillance raw dash cam air live on tv share comment like most popular

• published: 12 Feb 2015
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