On a day meant for celebration, 37-year-old Tyrek Burton lost his life in a shocking act of violence outside his wedding reception in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Just hours after exchanging vows with his longtime partner, Kiara Holloway, Burton was fatally shot in the parking lot of Barber Park Event Center.

According to reports, Burton had briefly left the reception to retrieve an item from his vehicle. Upon returning, he was confronted by a stranger who accused him of cutting him off in traffic earlier that day. “He never knew this man. They never met,” said his sister, Brittany Burton. “This was a complete random stranger, and he shot him in cold blood.” 

The suspect opened fire, reportedly emptying an entire clip,  hitting Burton about 15 times. Emergency responders arrived on the scene around 8:49 p.m., but despite their efforts, Burton died from his injuries that night.

The incident has left his family and new wife devastated. “He stepped up to be a father figure in my two oldest nieces’ lives,” said Burton’s sister-in-law, Nysheria Holloway. “He was building a future with my sister.” 

The couple, who had been together for 16 years, had built a life together in Greensboro, raising four daughters. His mother, Carolyn Burton, is heartbroken and demanding justice. She describes her son as a good man who didn’t deserve this fate. After waiting 13 years to finally marry the love of his life, he didn’t even get the chance to take her home. She said she couldn’t wait years for justice; she needed answers now.

Authorities have yet to identify a suspect in the shooting. They urge anyone with information to contact Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000. The community has since rallied around Burton’s family, with a GoFundMe launched to support funeral expenses and his four daughters. The fundraising effort has raised nearly $7,000.