Jabori Surles, a 22-year-old Black male, tragically lost his life on June 27, 2021, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, around 6:15 a.m., on School Street. Jabori was shot multiple times in front of a residence and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed that another individual, James Ezra White Sr., 55, was also injured in the shooting.
White was shot multiple times but managed to drive to Browns Lane, where he was later treated and released from the hospital.
The Fayetteville Police Department quickly launched an investigation into the homicide. On November 23, 2021, Damonte Emanuel Niquez Stewart, a 24-year-old Black male, was arrested in connection with the murder of Jabori Surles. Stewart was charged with first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill/inflict serious injury, and shooting into occupied property. He was apprehended in Augusta, Georgia, and subsequently extradited to North Carolina, where he was held without bail in the Cumberland County Jail.
During Stewart's first court appearance, Judge Stephen Stokes informed him that he could face the death penalty if convicted. Stewart acknowledged the possible punishment but declined to comment further on his bond. The investigation into the shooting revealed that the incident was not isolated, as another shooting occurred shortly after on Browns Lane, involving the same suspect.
The arrest of Damonte Stewart marked a significant development in the case, providing some measure of justice for the family and friends of Jabori Surles. The Fayetteville Police Department continued to urge anyone with information about the homicide to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in solving such crimes. The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of gun violence on individuals and communities, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such tragedies.
