William Davis was a familiar presence on Durham streets, known to many as Hood Hop. He was 39, used crutches and had an amputated leg, and regularly stood at Roxboro and Morehead asking for donations. Though homeless, he attended Bible study and drug abuse classes at Urban Ministries and was described by those who knew him as resilient and trying to turn his life around.

On Saturday, April 12, 2008, William was found stabbed to death and his body left in the street near West Piedmont Avenue and Scout Drive. The killing shocked the local community; a makeshift memorial appeared at his usual corner and a funeral was held in nearby Kittrell the following Friday. The Durham Police Department opened a homicide investigation and on April 30, 2008 asked the public to help identify a person of interest, but no arrests have been announced and the case remained unsolved as of that month.

If anyone knew William, saw him in the days before April 12, 2008, or has information about his death, please contact CrimeStoppers at 683-1200; callers can remain anonymous and rewards are available for tips that lead to an arrest.