Durham, North Carolina—For years, Abdul Burnette has been a prominent voice in the community, advocating for peace and standing against violence. Tragically, his mission has taken on a deeply personal dimension following the violent death of his own son.
Abdul is mourning the loss of Suliman Nazir Burnette, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday. The young man had his entire future ahead of him—a future now abruptly cut short. “You can’t put into words the pain of losing a child,” Burnette shared, expressing the unthinkable grief that accompanies such a loss.
Suliman was described as a vibrant young man, known for his infectious smile and uplifting presence. “He was always laughing, always happy,” his father recalled fondly, illustrating the light that Suliman brought to those around him.
The tragic incident took place on a recent Tuesday night at the SureStay Plus by Best Western Hotel on Hillsborough Road, where Suliman was shot. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene, leaving his family and friends in shock and despair.
Abdul Burnette indicated that investigators have a suspect in mind but have not yet disclosed the individual’s identity. “I’ve been informed they have a warrant out for this person and are searching throughout the county,” he said, highlighting the urgency of the investigation.
As the community reels from yet another act of violence, Abdul Burnette hopes that his son’s story will ignite a collective resolve to combat crime. “We need to stand together against this,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of unity in addressing escalating violence in Durham.
In a poignant plea, Burnette directed his message to the person responsible for his son’s death. “Imagine if it were your child. I’m heartbroken seeing someone out there, potentially capable of hurting others,” he stated firmly. He called for the individual to surrender to the authorities. “I want justice for my son, and I just hope they turn themselves in.”
At this time, the Durham Police Department has not yet confirmed the identity of the suspect or made any arrests in connection with the case. The ongoing investigation aims to bring both closure to the grieving family and justice for Suliman Burnette.