Ameer Suliman, a 46-year-old male taxi driver from Durham, NC, was tragically killed on August 11, 2016. Suliman, who was working for Durham's Best Cab Co., was shot during a robbery. He sought help at the La Quinta Inn & Suites on West Park Drive after being shot, but despite being rushed to a local hospital, he was pronounced dead.
The investigation revealed that Suliman was robbed and shot by two teenagers, Jaewon Curtis and Zyon McNeil.
Curtis, who was 15 years old at the time of the crime, and McNeil, who was 17, were both charged with second-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. Curtis pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to serve between 12 and 15 years in prison. During his sentencing, Curtis apologized to Suliman's widow, expressing remorse for his actions.
McNeil also pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to 166 to 212 months in prison. The court proceedings highlighted the senseless nature of the crime, with both teenagers expressing regret for their involvement.
Suliman was described as a hard-working employee, husband, and father of three. He had been working as a cab driver to support his family in Sudan and his three children in the U.S. His dedication to his family and work was evident, and his loss was deeply felt by those who knew him.
The case also involved a third individual, Trayvion Lyons, who was charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Lyons, who was 21 years old at the time, was held under a $1 million bond. The investigation and subsequent arrests brought some measure of justice for Suliman's family, but the impact of his death continues to resonate within the community.
