On May 18, 2024, at approximately 5:45 a.m., High Point police officers responded to a report of a suicide in the 600 block of Everette Lane. Upon arrival, they discovered 27-year-old Lakeshia M. Foster with a gunshot wound to her head. Despite being transported to Baptist Hospital, she succumbed to her injuries later that day.
The initial report suggested a suicide; however, evidence at the scene prompted detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit to initiate a deeper investigation.
Their findings led to the arrest of 44-year-old Trynarda N. Burns, a resident of High Point who was known to Foster. Burns was initially charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury, and was held in the Guilford County Jail without bond. Subsequently, the charges were upgraded to first-degree murder following Foster's death.
Court documents revealed that Burns has a significant criminal history, including pending charges unrelated to this case, such as communicating threats, injury to personal property, and second-degree trespassing. Despite the serious nature of the initial charges, Burns was released from jail after posting a $250,000 secured bond.
The incident has had a profound impact on the local community. Neighbors expressed shock, noting that such violence was unprecedented in their typically quiet neighborhood. One resident, Mari Cruz, who has lived in the area for five years, recounted the overwhelming presence of police on the day of the incident, which caused concern among her children.
Foster's death marked the second homicide in High Point for the year 2024. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to gather information to understand the circumstances leading up to the shooting. The relationship between Foster and Burns has been confirmed, but further details have not been disclosed. The community continues to mourn the loss of Foster, who was remembered as an avid reader with a love for animals and a deep compassion for family and faith.
