In the early evening of September 26, 2018, the life of 22-year-old Davonte H. Burrus was tragically cut short in a parking lot in his hometown of Bridgeton, New Jersey. A male victim of gun violence, Burrus was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds at the Maple Gardens apartment complex located on South East Avenue around 6 p.m. He was quickly transported to a local hospital for medical attention, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting painted
a grim picture of a targeted attack. Burrus was reportedly sitting inside a car in the middle of the apartment complex's parking lot when the shots were fired. Authorities began searching for a lone gunman who was seen fleeing the area dressed in all black. The collaborative investigation between the Bridgeton Police Department and the county prosecutor's office soon zeroed in on a suspect.
Tashimer Gillam, a 22-year-old from the nearby city of Millville, was identified and charged with the murder of Davonte Burrus. At the time the charges were brought forth, Gillam was already incarcerated on unrelated matters. The investigation revealed a disturbing history between the two men, suggesting that the fatal encounter was not their first violent altercation. It came to light that just weeks prior, on September 4, 2018, Gillam had allegedly shot Burrus in the leg at the very same apartment complex. In addition to the murder charge, Gillam faced a total of 13 charges, including weapons possession offenses, in connection with the incidents involving Burrus.
