Ebony Burnette, a 29-year-old woman from Creedmoor, NC, tragically lost her life on March 13, 2020. The incident occurred at her residence on Wild Goose Lane, where she was found suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of police officers and emergency medical personnel, Burnette was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of the incident, Burnette's boyfriend, Kyree Thames, and a child were present in the home.
Thames initially told investigators that Burnette had accidentally shot herself while handling a handgun. However, after a months-long investigation assisted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Thames was re-interviewed on August 31, 2020. During this interview, he allegedly admitted to accidentally shooting Burnette, believing he had unloaded the handgun.
On September 24, 2020, Thames was indicted for involuntary manslaughter by a grand jury. He turned himself in on September 29, 2020, and was subsequently arrested. Thames posted a $20,000 secured bond and was scheduled to make his first court appearance on December 16, 2020.
The Creedmoor Police Chief, Keith King, expressed hope that the arrest would bring some measure of peace and closure to the Burnette family. The investigation and subsequent arrest were the result of the tireless efforts of Lt. Ricky Cates and Detective Eugene Harris.
