David Israel Williams, a 24-year-old Black male, tragically lost his life on August 31, 2014, in Burlington, North Carolina. The incident occurred at the Quality Inn located at 2444 Maple Avenue. Burlington Police, Burlington Fire, and Alamance County EMS responded to the report of shots fired at the hotel at approximately 2:36 a.m. Upon arrival, officers were directed to the second floor of the hotel, where they found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victims were identified as Raphael Devante Currie, also a 24-year-old Black male, and David Israel Williams. Both victims were transported to Alamance Regional Medical Center, where David Williams succumbed to his injuries. Raphael Currie was flown to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The initial investigation revealed that a large number of individuals had gathered at the Quality Inn to attend an unveiling of an album release. Witnesses reported hearing a verbal disturbance on the second floor just before the gunshots were fired. Due to the large crowd, the Burlington Police Department requested mutual aid assistance from the Alamance County Sheriff's Office, Guilford County Sheriff's Office, Graham Police Department, Elon Police Department, and Elon University Police. These resources were used at both the Quality Inn and Alamance Regional Medical Center, where crowds had formed.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. The Burlington Police Department has encouraged anyone with information concerning the events leading up to the shooting or any suspect information to contact them. The police understand that citizens may be fearful of retaliation in investigations involving violence, but they emphasize the importance of coming forward with any information that could help solve the case. Crimestoppers is also available for anonymous tips.
As of now, there have been no arrests or suspects publicly identified in connection with the death of David Israel Williams. The investigation remains active, and law enforcement continues to seek information from the public to bring those responsible to justice.
