Mercedes Toledo-Goss and Sandra Marie Moore Identified in Tragic Durham Car Crash: New Details Emerge Following Deadly Easter Sunday Shooting and Collision
DURHAM, N.C. — Authorities have released new details surrounding the tragic Easter Sunday crash in Durham that claimed the lives of three individuals, including Mercedes Toledo-Goss and Sandra Marie Moore, following a suspected shooting between two vehicles. The incident, which unfolded amid what appears to be a violent altercation on the road, has shaken the local community and prompted a broader investigation into the events leading up to the fatal collision.
On Sunday, March 31, shortly after 5 p.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the scene of a devastating crash at the intersection of South Alston Avenue and Linwood Avenue, near the intersection of two busy thoroughfares. Upon arrival, officers and medics found two vehicles wrecked and multiple victims suffering from life-threatening injuries. Initial reports indicated that gunfire had been exchanged between the occupants of the vehicles prior to the crash.
Durham Police have now confirmed that three people died as a result of the crash, two of whom have been publicly identified as Mercedes Toledo-Goss, 22, and Sandra Marie Moore, 41. A third victim, whose name has not yet been released pending family notification, also died at the scene.
According to investigators, witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots just moments before the crash. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, along with physical evidence recovered from the scene, suggests that a dispute between individuals in the two vehicles escalated into gunfire as the cars sped down South Alston Avenue. One of the vehicles reportedly lost control at high speed, colliding with another and causing a catastrophic wreck.
Both Toledo-Goss and Moore were passengers, and authorities believe they were caught in the middle of a situation that turned violent. Police have not yet confirmed whether either woman was involved in the shooting or simply unfortunate victims of the chaos. Family members of both women describe them as loving, vibrant individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.
“She had so much life left to live,” said a relative of Mercedes Toledo-Goss. “She was smart, compassionate, and just starting to find her path. We are heartbroken.”
Sandra Moore, a mother and long-time Durham resident, is remembered by friends as someone who always put others first. “Sandra was the kind of person who would give you her last dollar,” said a family friend. “This is devastating.”
Authorities are now working to identify those responsible for the shooting and determine what led to the conflict. The investigation remains active, and police are urging anyone with information, dash cam footage, or surveillance video from the area to come forward. The Durham Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is leading the case, with assistance from federal and state agencies due to the suspected use of firearms during the incident.
No arrests have been made at this time, but police have indicated that several persons of interest have been identified. Charges may be forthcoming as evidence is reviewed and witnesses are interviewed.
In response to the tragedy, city officials have expressed condolences to the victims’ families and renewed calls to address the growing issue of gun violence in Durham. Mayor Leonardo Williams released a statement saying, “Our hearts go out to the families of those we’ve lost. We cannot accept this level of violence as the norm. We must work together to create a safer Durham for everyone.”
Community vigils are being planned for the victims, with grief counselors made available through local churches and outreach organizations. Residents are encouraged to support the families and share any information that may assist in the investigation.
As Durham mourns this senseless loss of life, many are left asking how a dispute escalated into such deadly violence on what should have been a peaceful holiday. The memory of Mercedes Toledo-Goss, Sandra Marie Moore, and the third unidentified victim will remain in the hearts of those who knew them, as the community demands answers—and justice.