Gunfire erupts after toddler memorial in Burlington, police chase ends in crash

Gunfire erupted outside Rich and Thompson Funeral Home on Glenwood Avenue after a memorial service for a 2-year-old child, turning a solemn gathering into a public-safety scene that spread across nearby Burlington streets. Police said a fight outside the funeral home escalated just after 2:15 p.m. Saturday, and officers were called to 306 Glenwood Avenue after 911 callers reported the disturbance.

Investigators said Trevonte Jaquan McGhee, 24, opened fire with multiple rounds from a rifle or assault rifle before fleeing in a vehicle. During the chase, police said McGhee threw the rifle from the car as officers tried to stop it. The pursuit ended when the vehicle lost control and crashed into a house a few blocks from the funeral home.

No injuries were reported, and police said they recovered the rifle. Authorities said there was no ongoing threat to the community after the crash. The episode moved quickly from the funeral home parking area to a chase and residential collision, deepening the shock for mourners who had just gathered for a child who died the week before.

McGhee was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, going armed to the terror of the people, discharging a firearm within city limits, disorderly conduct at funeral homes and leaving the scene of a crash as a passenger. Police also charged Cazari Monique Russell, 24, with going armed to the terror of the people, misdemeanor conspiracy, reckless driving and failure to stop at a stop sign or flashing red light. Both suspects were being processed at the Alamance County Jail, and no bond information was immediately available.

The case hit especially hard in Burlington, where Rich & Thompson Funeral Service says it has provided funeral and cremation services for 96 years. The business sits in a city of about 61,365 people, inside Alamance County’s population of 183,040, which means violence at a long-standing community institution quickly became a countywide point of concern.

Burlington police asked witnesses to call (336) 229-3500 or Alamance County-Wide Crimestoppers at (336) 229-7100, or submit anonymous tips through the P3 Tips app, as investigators continued to sort out how a memorial service for a toddler ended with gunfire, a chase and a crash into a home.