On November 21, 2023, at approximately 11:50 p.m., 40-year-old Demonta Shamon McKoy was fatally shot outside his residence in the 800 block of Broadmore Drive in Fayetteville, North Carolina. As he walked into his garage after pulling into his driveway, an assailant approached and fired multiple shots with a .223-caliber rifle, striking McKoy. First responders arrived promptly and pronounced him dead at the scene.
The investigation led to the arrest of two individuals.
In February 2024, 32-year-old Jamonte Antonio Burden was charged with first-degree murder, discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling, and felony conspiracy. Surveillance footage showed a silver SUV, allegedly driven by Burden, parked near McKoy's residence. The footage captured the front-seat passenger exiting the vehicle and shooting McKoy as he entered his garage. Further investigation revealed that Burden had borrowed the SUV on the night of the shooting.
In July 2024, a second suspect, 33-year-old Traquan Deshee Thomas, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, discharging a weapon into an occupied property, and felony conspiracy. Court records allege that Thomas was the passenger who exited the SUV and shot McKoy. Additionally, it is alleged that Thomas was paid $20,000 to commit the murder. The motive appears to be related to a belief that McKoy was cooperating with law enforcement following a prior arrest in July 2023, during which $70,000 belonging to another individual was seized.
Both Burden and Thomas are being held without bail in the Cumberland County jail as they await trial. The case has drawn significant attention due to the alleged contract killing and the implications of retaliation against perceived informants within the community. The Fayetteville Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding McKoy's death to ensure all responsible parties are brought to justice.
