On September 11, 2023, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Winston-Salem police responded to a shooting incident in the 1100 block of Burke Village Lane. Upon arrival, officers discovered 26-year-old Gevontae Daeron Morrison suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by both officers and EMS personnel, Morrison succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Investigations revealed that prior to the shooting, Morrison had been involved in a verbal altercation outside an apartment complex with unidentified individuals. As he was returning to his vehicle, an assailant fired multiple shots, striking him before fleeing the area. Detectives believe that Morrison and the perpetrator were acquainted, suggesting the attack was not random. However, initial witness cooperation was limited, hindering immediate progress in the case.
Subsequent investigative efforts led to the identification of 32-year-old Tywon Orlando Walker as a suspect in Morrison's murder. On December 14, 2023, with assistance from the United States Marshals Task Force, Walker was apprehended in Union County, New Jersey. Following his arrest, the Winston-Salem Police Department obtained a warrant charging Walker with felony murder. He remains in custody in New Jersey, awaiting extradition to North Carolina to face charges related to Morrison's death.
Morrison's death marked the 36th homicide in Winston-Salem for the year 2023, reflecting a concerning increase in violent crimes compared to previous years. The community continues to grapple with the implications of this tragedy, as authorities urge anyone with further information to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.
