Tragedy in Statesville: Woman Fatally Shot on Fifth Street, Suspect Dies by Suicide After Police Pursuit
STATESVILLE, NC — A heartbreaking act of violence unfolded on Saturday afternoon, August 2, 2025, as the Statesville Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 1000 block of Fifth Street. Upon arrival at approximately 1:30 p.m., officers found a woman lying outside a residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was later identified as 51-year-old Surtonia Burton, a well-known resident of the Fifth Street community.
Emergency medical personnel with Iredell County EMS were quickly dispatched and transported Ms. Burton to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Ms. Burton tragically succumbed to her injuries a short time later, leaving her family, neighbors, and community in shock and mourning.
In response to the shooting, detectives from the Statesville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Violent Crimes Unit swiftly mobilized to the scene to process evidence and gather information. Within hours of launching the investigation, authorities identified 26-year-old Titeon Breshaun Burton, also of Fifth Street, as the primary suspect in the deadly shooting. Though the relationship between the suspect and the victim has not been officially confirmed, both shared the same last name and address, suggesting a likely familial connection.
At approximately 4:45 p.m. — just over three hours after the initial shooting — officers located Titeon Burton at a business on Oakland Avenue. As officers moved in to detain him, Burton refused to comply and fled the scene on foot. Officers pursued him to the rear of a residence on Broom Street, where the situation took another tragic turn. As officers approached, Burton produced a firearm and sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
EMS personnel once again responded to the scene and transported Burton for emergency treatment. However, he was pronounced deceased en route to the hospital.
This deeply troubling chain of events has left a community reeling with grief and searching for answers. Two lives were lost in a matter of hours—one to a brutal act of violence and the other in an apparent act of desperation.
The Statesville Police Department released a statement expressing its deepest condolences to the family of Surtonia Burton:
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Burton family during this time of unimaginable loss. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy as we continue to investigate and support the family and community through this difficult time.”
The motives behind the shooting remain unclear, and the case is still under active investigation. Detectives are working diligently to piece together the events that led to the fatal encounter, including interviews with neighbors, potential witnesses, and examination of any digital or surveillance footage available.
As the community processes this devastating event, neighbors and friends have begun paying tribute to Surtonia Burton. Described as kind, faith-filled, and devoted to her neighborhood, her sudden death has shaken the area. Local leaders have called for unity, healing, and continued efforts to address interpersonal violence and mental health challenges in the community.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that may help investigators to come forward. Tips can be submitted directly to the Statesville Police Department at (704) 878-3406. Those wishing to remain anonymous may do so by using the “See Something, Say Something” portal available on the department’s website.
This tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of how quickly lives can be lost and how urgently communities must work together to prevent violence, support mental health, and ensure safety for all.
Rest in peace, Surtonia Burton. May your memory live on, and may justice and healing follow in the wake of this heartbreak.
