BURLINGTON, N.C. — The Burlington Police Department announced Monday it, along with the help of the Alamance County Sheriff's Office, arrested another suspect in connection to a shooting that killed a child on Thursday.
According to a release, officers issued two search warrants at Beaumont Court early Monday. There they found probable cause to arrest 24-year-old Syquan Mason-Rhames of Burlington for first degree murder.
He was taken into custody immediately.
Tremaine Armstrong, who also faces criminal charges in the case, had his charged lowered from attempted first degree murder to possession of a stolen firearm. He is still in police custody.
Kemontae Crosby, a third suspect, saw his charge changed from possession of a firearm by felon to possession of a stolen firearm.
The Burlington Police Department said Armstrong and Crosby's original charges came after "intentionally false and misleading statements [were] made to officers."
"Armstrong and Crosby did not shoot Mason Jenkins," the department said in a press conference Monday.
Burlington police said they will pursue charges against those who made false statements.
The Burlington Police Department is still conducting its investigation into this incident and is looking for more people to share their account of what happened the day Jenkins was shot.
"We know there were more people on Beaumont Court who know what happened ..." a department representative said at Monday's press conference. "Anyone with information owes it to the memory of Mason Jenkins."
The shooting occurred Thursday after an argument involving a group of men at 1330 Beaumont Court. The argument spilled over into the apartment complex, where a shot was fired and hit Jenkins.
ORIGINAL STORY
A seven-year-old hit by a stray bullet in Burlington on Thursday has died, according to a family member.
The Burlington Police Department issued the following statement on the shooting:
"On Thursday night a 7-year-old little boy, sitting outside his apartment, was senselessly shot as a bystander. Today, we learned that his injuries were too severe to survive and he died this morning. Our deepest sympathies are with the family and everyone affected by this act of violence. We share the heartbreak of this news along with our community. As your police department, we are committed to holding those responsible for this crime accountable and the investigation to gather every available fact is ongoing. Our community needs every person who saw what happened to step forward, do what’s right, and contact the police department. Our hearts are with the family, and we promise to do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served."
The Burlington community is asking for prayers and a call to action to stop gun violence. A community organizer said there may be a vigil or gathering to honor the boy's life Sunday evening.
The boy was identified by family as seven-year-old Mason Jenkins. Police said he was in critical condition. WFMY News 2 heard from family Sunday morning who said he passed around 1 a.m.
Burlington police said they first got a call about a dispute and a single gunshot at Beaumont Avenue Apartments.
"This is a housing for people with kids and this is terrible," Burlington native Barbra Harvey said.
While on scene officers found out a child was shot. Police stress the child was not a target but a victim of a stray bullet.
"It is definitely an impact to the community," Harvey shared.
Police said the seven-year-old was hit in his upper body and airlifted to the hospital. After hearing the news, community members hosted a prayer circle to uplift the child's family.
Cathy Dixon is a local minister in the area, she helped encourage the family through faith.
"I got to meet his little sister and I put my arms around and told her to pray for her brother Mason," Dixon shared, "I taught her a prayer that God would touch him and heal him and deliver him and bring him out."
On Sunday, the Alamance-Burlington School System released a statement about the incident.
"We, along with the community, are grieving the loss of such a young life. We know this tragic event will have ripples across the community and our students and staff will feel the impact. Our Counselors and student support staff will be available to help students cope and discuss their grief. We send our sincere condolences to the family."
Police arrested 18-year-old Tremaine Armstrong and charged him with attempted murder. Investigators also arrested 21-year-old Kemontae Crosby and charged him for being an accessory in the shooting.
On Sunday afternoon, a vigil was held at the apartment complex where the shooting took place.
You can contact detectives directly at 336-229-3500 or submit anonymous tips to Alamance County Crime Stoppers at (336) 229-7100 or use the mobile app, P3 Tips.
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