STATESVILLE, NC – A quiet Saturday afternoon was shattered by tragedy on August 2, 2025, when a fatal shooting unfolded in the 1000 block of Fifth Street. At approximately 1:30 p.m., officers with the Statesville Police Department responded to a report of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, they discovered 51-year-old Surtonia Burton lying outside a residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite immediate medical attention and emergency transport by Iredell County EMS, Ms. Burton tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival at a nearby medical facility. Her death has left the local community grieving and searching for answers in the wake of this senseless act of violence.
In response to the shooting, the Statesville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Violent Crimes Unit launched an intensive investigation. Working swiftly, investigators identified 26-year-old Titeon Breshaun Burton, also of Fifth Street, as the primary suspect in the homicide. The nature of the relationship between the suspect and victim has not been publicly disclosed, but sources close to the investigation have confirmed that they were related.
Later that afternoon, at approximately 4:45 p.m., SPD officers located Titeon Burton at a business on Oakland Avenue. When approached by law enforcement, Burton refused to comply with commands and fled the scene on foot, prompting a foot pursuit. Officers pursued him to the rear of a residence on Broom Street. As officers closed in, Burton sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Despite immediate efforts to render aid and emergency transport by Iredell County EMS, he was pronounced deceased en route to the hospital.
Police have not released a motive for the shooting, and it remains unclear what led to this deadly confrontation. Neighbors and friends described Surtonia Burton as a kind and caring woman who was well known in the community. Her death has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, sparking an outpouring of grief and disbelief.
In a statement released Saturday evening, the Statesville Police Department extended heartfelt condolences to the Burton family.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life and the pain it has caused for the Burton family and our community,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Ms. Surtonia Burton as they navigate this unimaginable grief.”
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together the events leading up to the shooting. The police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Community Assistance Requested
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Statesville Police Department at (704) 878-3406. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the department’s “See Something, Say Something” portal at:
As the Statesville community reels from this tragedy, city officials and law enforcement continue to call for unity, healing, and vigilance. This case is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence — not only on victims and their families, but on entire communities.
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