Durham, North Carolina — Abdul Burnette, a long-standing advocate for peace in his community, is facing an unimaginable heartache after his son was tragically killed in a shooting. Burnette has tirelessly campaigned against violence in Durham, but now he finds himself grappling with a personal loss that he describes as insurmountable.
His son, 18-year-old Suliman Nazir Burnette, was shot on Tuesday night at the SureStay Plus by Best Western Hotel on Hillsborough Road. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene, leaving family and friends mourning a bright young life cut short. “He had a beautiful smile and a joyful spirit,” Burnette reminisced. “He was always the life of the party, bringing happiness wherever he went.”
Authorities have reportedly identified a suspect connected to Suliman’s death, although specifics have yet to be disclosed. Burnette shared that police informed him a warrant has been issued for the suspect’s arrest, and efforts are underway to locate the individual across multiple counties. “They haven’t shared the name with us yet, but I trust they are working hard on the case,” he said.
In the wake of this tragedy, Abdul Burnette is calling for unity in the face of violence that has impacted too many families in Durham. He expressed hope that his son’s story might rally the community to take a stand against crime. “We need to come together as a community,” he said. “This can’t be the way life is. We owe it to our children to create a safer environment.”
Burnette also extended a poignant message to the person responsible for his son’s death. “I urge you to turn yourself in. Imagine if it were your child. It’s devastating to think about,” he remarked, emphasizing the urgency of justice. “This is murder, and it leaves an irreversible void in our lives.”
As the investigation unfolds, the Durham Police Department has not confirmed the suspect’s identity or made any arrests at this time. The tragic loss of Suliman Burnette serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence, which continues to touch countless lives.
In the midst of his grief, Abdul Burnette remains determined to advocate for change and justice, hoping that no other parent will have to endure a similar fate. As the community rallies around the Burnette family, the call for action against violence echoes louder than ever.