DURHAM -- The Duke University community will gather Friday to remember one of their own.
Abhijit Mahato, a graduate student from India, was shot and killed during a robbery a week ago in his off-campus apartment. A memorial is planned for 1 p.m.
The accused gunman, 19-year-old Stephen Oates, is charged with first-degree murder and robbery. He made his first court appearance Thursday and was denied bond.
Oates also faces 15 additional robbery charges and investigators believe his crime spree stretches back several months.
Abhijit Mahato
Since the first of the year, the Bull City has seen 70 robberies, several of them involving Duke students and staff. As a result, Durham Police have increased their patrols around campus. On Wednesday night, Duke hosted a safety forum to discuss the problem.
"It worries me and I am really sad and concerned for families that have been hurt,” Duke graduate student Hannah Reynolds said. “I feel really bad for them."
Mahato's friends have organized a prayer service at the Hindu temple in Morrisville on Sunday.