On November 21, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted a Durham man following an alleged shootout at Crabtree Valley Mall in October. U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. commented on the timing of the incident, stating, "The holiday season is a time for peace on earth – not shootouts in the parking deck." He emphasized that their Violent Crime Team is collaborating closely with local law enforcement to enhance community safety during the holidays.
The indictment and court information indicate that Jamarion Burton, 22, allegedly possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon during the October 26 shootout at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh. The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) responded promptly to the scene and apprehended one suspect. After gathering witness statements and reviewing surveillance footage, RPD reportedly identified Burton as involved in a verbal altercation inside the mall that escalated into gunfire exchange in the parking deck. Upon law enforcement's arrival, Burton's group allegedly fled but he was later arrested in Durham with assistance from the Durham Police Department. At his arrest, Burton reportedly had one of the firearms used in the shooting.
Burton faces charges of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and could receive up to fifteen years in prison if convicted.
This prosecution stems from the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP), which involves collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to tackle significant violent crime drivers through strategic enforcement and intelligence-led policing.
The case also aligns with Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations focused on violence prevention. The initiative includes setting strategic enforcement priorities and measuring outcomes.
Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced this development. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with RPD are investigating while Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaren E. Kelly prosecutes.