Syncere Kalif Burrell, an 18-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on August 10, 2020, in Durham, North Carolina. Syncere, also known as "Macho," was born on July 9, 2002, to Jessie Burrell, Jr. and LaVern Lucier in Person County, NC. He was a beloved member of his family and community, having attended Durham Public Schools and received his GED from Bull City Youth Build.
Syncere was known for his love for his family and his involvement in various community activities.
On the fateful day of August 10, 2020, Syncere was found unresponsive in a car riddled with bullet holes on Lincoln Street near Linwood Avenue in Durham. The police responded to a shots-fired report just after 4 p.m. and discovered Syncere in the passenger seat of a Honda Accord with approximately 13 bullet holes, several of which were on the driver's side of the car. Despite life-saving measures, Syncere was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead.
The investigation revealed that Syncere was involved in a gang feud. He was a member of the Crip gang from the 900 block of Main Street, which had a rivalry with the Liberty Street Crips. The feud had escalated to violence, with gang members posting pictures of themselves in opposing gang territories. A relative of Syncere witnessed the shooting and saw a white Honda sedan with a shattered rear driver-side window pull up next to Syncere's car. The occupants of the white Honda fired into Syncere's car before driving away. Investigators found about 15 shell casings and white paint chips at the scene.
Further complicating the case, a female posted a video on Instagram claiming responsibility for Syncere's murder. However, she later retracted her statement, saying she made the claim to get back at someone who had previously said they murdered one of her close friends. The police identified the female and contacted her mother, who confirmed that her daughter was on probation and was home with her at the time of the shooting.
As of now, no charges have been filed in connection with Syncere Burrell's murder. The investigation remains ongoing, and the Durham Police Department continues to seek information from the public to solve this case.
