STATESVILLE, NC — A quiet Saturday afternoon in Statesville was shattered by violence on August 2, 2025, as a deadly shooting on Fifth Street claimed the life of 51-year-old Surtonia Burton, a beloved local resident, and ended with the death of the suspected gunman—who was also a member of the same family.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., officers with the Statesville Police Department were dispatched to the 1000 block of Fifth Street following a report of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, they found a woman—later identified as Surtonia Burton—lying outside a residence with multiple gunshot wounds. First responders from Iredell County EMS arrived at the scene and immediately began life-saving efforts. She was rushed to a local medical facility but, tragically, succumbed to her injuries a short time later.
The victim, known by neighbors and friends as a kind-hearted woman, was a long-time resident of Fifth Street. Her death has sent waves of grief throughout the community, especially as details emerged that the alleged shooter was a relative—26-year-old Titeon Breshaun Burton, also of Fifth Street.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Statesville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene to collect evidence and initiate a full-scale homicide investigation. Through witness statements, surveillance footage, and other investigative means, Titeon Burton was quickly identified as the primary suspect in the case.
Just over three hours after the fatal shooting, at around 4:45 p.m., SPD officers located Burton at a business along Oakland Avenue. As they attempted to detain him, Burton fled on foot, prompting a chase through several nearby streets. The pursuit led officers to the rear of a residence on Broom Street, where, as police closed in, Burton sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical attention from Iredell County EMS, he was pronounced dead while en route to the hospital.
The motivation behind the shooting remains under investigation, and the relationship between the victim and the suspect—while believed to be familial—has not been publicly clarified by police. Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses and review all available evidence to piece together what led to the fatal confrontation.
In an official statement, the Statesville Police Department expressed deep sorrow over the tragic events:
“The Statesville Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the Burton family during this heartbreaking time. Our community has suffered an unimaginable loss, and we are committed to supporting the loved ones of those affected as this investigation continues.”
As news of the incident spread, Fifth Street residents and those who knew Surtonia Burton gathered to share their grief. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes of remembrance were placed near the location where she was found. Many described her as a warm, welcoming woman who cared deeply for her family and neighbors.
Saturday’s double tragedy marks another somber entry in Statesville’s ongoing struggle with interpersonal violence. Community leaders and anti-violence advocates are calling for increased mental health resources, mediation services, and community outreach to address tensions before they erupt into deadly conflict.
An autopsy will be performed on both the victim and the suspect as part of the ongoing investigation. The Statesville Police Department urges anyone with additional information about the events leading up to the shooting to contact their Criminal Investigations Division.
In the meantime, the community mourns two lives lost—one to senseless violence and the other to the consequences of a devastating decision. The Burton family, and the city of Statesville at large, now begin the painful process of healing in the wake of tragedy.