A tragic incident unfolded on the evening of August 2, 2025, in Statesville, North Carolina, leaving the community shaken and grieving. According to officials, a shooting on the 1000 block of Fifth Street resulted in the death of 51-year-old Surtonia Burton, a long-time resident of the area.
Statesville Police Department officers responded swiftly to reports of gunfire shortly after 7:00 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Surtonia Burton suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel immediately transported her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite their efforts, Burton succumbed to her injuries later that evening.
The violent act has sent shockwaves throughout the tight-knit Fifth Street neighborhood, where residents are struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of a woman known by many for her warm personality and active role in the community. Friends and neighbors have since gathered near the scene, leaving flowers, lighting candles, and paying tribute to Burton’s memory.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities quickly identified a suspect in the case: 26-year-old Titeon Breshaun Burton, who also resides on Fifth Street. Although the relationship between the suspect and the victim has not been officially confirmed by police, sources close to the case have indicated that the two may be related. The nature of their connection, and what may have led to the violent confrontation, remains under investigation.
Titeon Burton is now considered the primary suspect in what police are describing as a domestic-related shooting. Law enforcement has not yet disclosed whether he has been taken into custody, though a warrant for his arrest has reportedly been issued. The Statesville Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding Burton’s whereabouts or details about the case to come forward.
“This is a heartbreaking situation,” said Statesville Police Chief David Addison in a brief press statement. “Any loss of life due to gun violence is unacceptable, and when it occurs in a community like ours, it leaves a deep scar. Our detectives are working tirelessly to bring clarity and justice to this tragic event.”
As the community reels from the loss, conversations about public safety, mental health, and conflict resolution have resurfaced among city leaders and concerned citizens. This incident marks yet another moment where gun violence has taken a life and disrupted families in North Carolina.
Local clergy and community leaders have already begun organizing support services for those affected. A candlelight vigil is being planned for Sunday evening at a nearby park to honor Surtonia Burton’s life and call for peace. Counseling services will also be made available through local nonprofits and faith-based organizations to support family members and friends coping with the tragedy.
Meanwhile, detectives continue to piece together what led to the shooting. Forensic teams remained at the scene for hours on Friday evening, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
In the wake of the shooting, Fifth Street residents are also calling for increased police presence and community-based initiatives aimed at reducing violence and supporting at-risk individuals. Several neighbors voiced concerns about growing tensions in the area and expressed a desire for more intervention resources before conflicts escalate to deadly levels.
As the investigation proceeds and the community mourns the loss of Surtonia Burton, her memory is being honored by those who knew her best. Friends describe her as a loving mother, a devoted friend, and someone who never hesitated to help others.
