WICHITA, KS – Newly unsealed court documents are shedding light on the events that led to the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Demarc Burgess in a southeast Wichita basement earlier this year. The homicide, which occurred on March 22, 2025, has resulted in multiple felony charges and raised serious questions about gang activity, firearm access, and escalating tensions within a local music scene.
The Night of the Shooting
At 3:53 AM, Wichita Police Department (WPD) officers were dispatched to a residence in the 14000 block of E Twinlake Drive after receiving reports of gunfire inside the home. Upon arrival, first responders discovered Demarc Burgess in the basement, suffering from three gunshot wounds—to the back, abdomen, and side. He was transported to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly before 5:00 AM.
According to the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Report, the bullets caused severe internal damage, puncturing Demarc’s heart, lungs, and multiple organs. His death was officially ruled a homicide.
Timeline of Events Captured on Surveillance
Key details emerged from a neighbor’s surveillance camera, which recorded activity at the home. At 2:32 AM, a vehicle arrived and someone entered the house. At 3:25 AM, a person exited the home briefly, returning three minutes later. At 3:50 AM, the camera captured a rapid volley of 13 gunshots—nine in succession, followed by a 3.5-second pause, then four more shots. One individual fled through the front door, while two others got into the same vehicle and sped off. No one else exited the home until officers arrived at 3:52 AM.
Witness Statements and Rising Tensions
Demarc’s girlfriend, who drove him to the house around 3:00 AM, told police he had gone to retrieve recording equipment. Inside the home, she encountered a young man she later identified as 19-year-old Jaden Watts, also known as “J-Pape.” She said he gave her “creepy” vibes and became hostile when she tried to speak with him. An argument quickly escalated between Jaden and Demarc—centered around rap skills, according to her statement. Feeling uncomfortable, she returned to her car, attempted to contact Demarc by phone, and eventually fell asleep until officers arrived.
Another person present that night was 20-year-old Trillion Ross, who stated that Demarc arrived intoxicated and disruptive, knocking over equipment and causing tension. He claimed he left the scene between 1:30 and 2:00 AM, but surveillance footage contradicted that, showing no one left during that time.
According to multiple witness accounts, Demarc repeatedly brandished a firearm, threatening to shoot or kill Jaden. A physical altercation ensued in which Demarc allegedly punched Jaden in the mouth, knocking him down, and struck him again after he stood up. During the scuffle, a firearm reportedly fell from Demarc’s waistband. Witnesses claim Jaden picked it up and fired, striking Demarc three times.
Scene Investigation and Forensic Evidence
Investigators found multiple bullet holes throughout the basement—particularly along the ceiling and baseboards on the west side. Demarc’s body was located near the east wall. Forensic teams recovered several weapons tied to the case:
- A firearm with Trillion Ross’s fingerprints was found near the scene.
- Another gun was found in a vehicle during Trillion’s arrest—illegal due to his status as a convicted felon.
- On March 25, a loaded Glock 17 was recovered behind A/C units at an apartment complex linked to Trillion’s girlfriend and his last known address. That weapon was confirmed to be the murder weapon, and Jaden’s DNA was identified as the primary contributor on the grip. Demarc’s DNA was also found on the gun, along with three others.
Gang Affiliation and Arrest History
Both Jaden Watts and Trillion Ross are listed in WPD’s gang database as members of the “Crib” gang. Records also reveal that the two had previously shared a registered address and had been arrested together before.
The Charges
On June 3, 2025, prosecutors charged Jaden Watts with Intentional Second Degree Murder. Trillion Ross was charged with evidence tampering and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon—stemming from a 2023 conviction for fleeing police.
Trillion was arrested on June 10 and remains in custody on over $1 million bond. He is next scheduled to appear in court on August 8, 2025.
After nearly two months on the run, Jaden was captured by U.S. Marshals and WPD officers on June 17, at a home near Lincoln & Woodlawn. His bond is also set at over $1 million, and his next court hearing is scheduled for August 28, 2025.
Additional Incidents Involving the Suspects
August 2024 – Joint Arrest
On August 17, 2024, police arrested both Jaden and Trillion following a disturbance in the 3200 block of S Illinois. Officers responded to reports of yelling and banging. After forced entry, they found both suspects inside. Trillion allegedly battered an officer, resulting in municipal charges of Interference with Law Enforcement and Simple Battery on LEO.
June 2024 – Jaden’s DUI Police Chase
On June 1, 2024, Jaden led Kansas Highway Patrol on a high-speed chase in a red Cadillac SRX before crashing into another vehicle. His blood alcohol content was 0.209%, nearly three times the legal limit. Though he was booked that day, charges were not formally filed until June 24, 2025. Charges include:
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude
- DUI (0.209 BAC)
- DUI – Under the Influence (alternate)
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
April 2023 – Attempted Carjacking
At age 17, Jaden was arrested on April 18, 2023, after allegedly attempting to carjack a vehicle with the victim still inside. He fled from police and tossed a firearm before being apprehended. He was charged with Criminal Use of a Weapon.
A Case Still Developing
This tragic case highlights the consequences of gun violence, unresolved tension, and criminal behavior intersecting in one deadly moment. As the court process unfolds, the community continues to grapple with the loss of Demarc Burgess, whose life was cut short in a basement where music, conflict, and violence collided.
Public Records:
— Written by Shae
Note: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This account is based on publicly available records including police reports, court filings, forensic documents, and official news sources.
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