A joyous wedding celebration turned into a tragic event for Tyrek Burton and his family on Saturday evening. The 37-year-old Burton, a native of Roxboro, North Carolina, had just tied the knot and was celebrating with family and friends when the unthinkable occurred. Burton, who had been in a relationship with his bride for 16 years and had four daughters with her, was fatally shot just hours after their wedding as he was leaving the Barber Park Events Center.
Brittany Burton, Tyrek’s sister, expressed her shock and disbelief at the sudden turn of events. She described the family’s joyous celebration being abruptly replaced by grief and loss. The family was having a wonderful time when, in an instant, their happiness was stolen from them, she said.
The tragic incident unfolded when Burton, under the impression that his wife had already returned home, made a U-turn to go back for her after realizing she was not there. Brittany explained that a traffic dispute ensued, leading to a confrontation at the park where the fatal shooting took place.
Local police in Greensboro responded to reports of a shooting shortly before 9 p.m., with Burton identified as the victim. Despite surveillance footage and multiple eyewitness accounts, including those from one of Burton’s daughters and his new wife, the shooter remains at large.
The sudden loss has left the family in shock and deep sorrow. The family is particularly concerned about Burton’s 3-year-old daughter, who is yet to understand her father’s absence. Brittany spoke fondly of her brother, emphasizing the depth of their loss. She described him as an extraordinary man whose absence will be deeply felt.
The newlyweds had planned to celebrate their honeymoon in Charlotte, a dream that will now remain unfulfilled. As the family grieves, funeral arrangements for Burton are still being finalized.