In the quiet of a Saturday afternoon in Statesville, North Carolina, a tragedy unfolded that left a community grappling with grief and disbelief. On August 2, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the piercing sound of gunshots shattered the calm in the 1000 block of Fifth Street, a residential area known for its close-knit neighbors. The Statesville Police Department responded swiftly to reports of a shooting, arriving to find a woman lying motionless in front of a home, her body riddled with gunshot wounds. She was Surtonia Burton, a 51-year-old resident of the street, a woman whose life was cut short in an act of violence that would soon reveal a heartbreaking family connection.
Emergency responders from Iredell County EMS rushed Surtonia to a nearby hospital, where medical staff fought to save her. Despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival, leaving behind a void in the lives of those who knew her. The loss of Surtonia, described by neighbors as a kind and vibrant presence, sent ripples of sorrow through the community. Her death marked another somber moment in a city that has faced a string of violent incidents in recent months, prompting residents to question the safety of their streets.
The Statesville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Violent Crimes Unit descended on the scene, meticulously collecting evidence and piecing together the events that led to the shooting. Their investigation quickly zeroed in on a suspect: 26-year-old Titeon Breshaun Burton, also a resident of Fifth Street and, devastatingly, a relative of the victim. The precise nature of their relationship remains unconfirmed, but the shared surname and address suggest a familial bond, adding a layer of tragedy to an already horrific event.
As the investigation progressed, police located Titeon Burton later that day, around 4:45 p.m., at a business on Oakland Avenue. What followed was a tense encounter. When officers attempted to detain him, Titeon fled, leading police on a brief but intense foot chase to the rear of a residence on Broom Street. As officers closed in, Titeon suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a fatal act that ended his life before he could be taken into custody. Iredell County EMS transported him to a hospital, but he was pronounced dead en route, leaving authorities and the community with more questions than answers.
The Statesville Police Department has extended its deepest condolences to the Burton family, acknowledging the profound loss they now endure. The department’s statement reflects a commitment to supporting the community through this difficult time while urging anyone with information to come forward. Authorities have provided multiple channels for tips, including a direct line to the police department and an anonymous reporting portal, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in understanding the full scope of this tragedy.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of violence in Statesville, a city that has seen multiple shootings in 2025 alone. Earlier in the year, the community mourned the loss of lives in separate incidents, including a fatal shooting on East Allison Street and another near Abernathy Ball Field. Each event has heightened local concerns about gun violence and its impact on families and neighborhoods. Community leaders and residents alike have begun calling for solutions, from increased police presence to broader initiatives addressing the root causes of such violence.
As the investigation continues, the Statesville Police Department is working diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to this double tragedy. Details about the motive and the events preceding the shooting remain scarce, but authorities are combing through evidence and witness statements to build a clearer picture. For now, the community mourns Surtonia Burton, a woman whose life was taken too soon, and grapples with the loss of Titeon, whose actions and death have left an indelible mark on those left behind. The road to healing will be long, but Statesville’s resilience and unity will be key in navigating the pain of this moment.
