Across the southeast

Four killed, 2 hurt in shootings in Durham

DURHAM, N.C. - Four men were killed and two others wounded in a shooting Saturday night at a townhouse in an upscale Durham neighborhood.

The names of the victims were not immediately released, but neighbors said they appeared to be young professionals or college students.

The bodies were discovered after police were called about shots fired shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday.

Officers found one man sitting outside the home who was bleeding from his face, according to a news release.

Officers then went inside the and found four men dead and another in critical condition.

Police had not made any arrests or determined a motive Sunday, a spokesman said. But authorities had reports of three men seen running from the area after the shootings.

Drug-related deaths concern Appalachian

BOONE, N.C. - Safety concerns are up at Appalachian State University after the second drug-related shooting death of a student in 13 months and the mountain campus's reputation for easy access to illegal substances, officials say.

Stephen Harrington, 19, of Raleigh, was killed Nov. 8 in an apparent drug deal gone bad. Court documents say he was involved in a cocaine deal with his accused killers.

The death followed the slaying of Joseph McClure, 22, in October 2004. Mr. McClure, a senior from Pfafftown, was shot by someone trying to make a "substantial purchase" of marijuana, court documents said.

Cindy Wallace, the interim vice chancellor for student development, plans to meet today with the dean of students, the head of judicial affairs, the county sheriff and the Boone and campus police chiefs.