In the quiet hallways of Watson Chapel Junior High School, a burst of violence shattered the morning calm on March 1, 2021, leaving a young life hanging in the balance. Daylon 'DaeDae' Burnett, a 15-year-old Black male student, was found in a hallway near the library, suffering from a gunshot wound. School nurses rushed to his side, applying pressure to his head as he struggled for breath, his pulse faint. Near him on the floor lay two.
380 shell casings, stark evidence of the tragic event that had just unfolded.
As police officers began to clear the school, the initial chaos of the scene gave way to a swift investigation. A student witness quickly identified the shooter as fellow student Thomas Quarles. While some officers secured the area and attended to Daylon, others began a search for the suspect. The search was short-lived, as Quarles was soon located near an air conditioner unit on the school grounds. He was taken into custody without a struggle. Upon searching him, investigators discovered a black Ruger LCP handgun in his front pants pocket.
Daylon Burnett was rushed from the scene, but his injuries proved to be too severe. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to the gunshot wound and passed away. In the aftermath of the shooting, Thomas Quarles was transported to the Pine Bluff Police Department for questioning. Accompanied by his mother, he was read his Miranda Rights and subsequently requested an attorney. He was processed by the authorities, and the investigation into the senseless act of violence that cut short the life of Daylon Burnett continued.
