05/29/2026
๐๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ด๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ-๐ฆ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ
HIGH POINT, N.C. (May 29, 2026) โ Detectives with the High Point Police Departmentโs Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) are investigating a murder-suicide. The victim and the suspect previously dated.
Yesterday evening, an individual called High Point 911โs non-emergency number to request a welfare check for Julissa Duarte. The individual said Duarte had not been seen in recent days and was not answering her phone. Officers were dispatched to Eastchester Ridge Apartments on Chester Ridge Drive, but a specific address for Duarte was not immediately available. Officers knocked on several doors, spoke to neighbors and used various resources to locate Duarteโs unit number.
No one answered the door at Duarteโs apartment, and when officers looked through a window, they saw a person on the floor. Officers forced their way into the home and found two people โ Duarte (W/F, 20 of High Point) and Kevin Sanchez (W/M, 22 of High Point). Both were dead from gunshot wounds.
VCU detectives responded to the scene. At this stage of the investigation, it is believed Sanchez shot Duarte and then shot himself. The N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) will work to determine when the individuals died.
Duarteโs death is a domestic-related homicide. She and Sanchez previously dated.
This is the information currently available in the ongoing investigation. Additional information will be shared as appropriate.
This is the sixth criminal homicide in the City of High Point this year.
The Guilford County Family Justice Center (FJC) provides support and resources for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse. The centers in High Point and Greensboro provide access to a wide range of support services, including victim advocates, assistance with filing a restraining order, safety planning, medical assistance, and information on how to access shelter and community resources. Anyone who needs assistance - whether for themselves, a family member or a friend - can call 336-641-7233 or visit the FJCโs High Point location at 505 E Green Drive.
