On the late afternoon of Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 32-year-old Tavaris Burley was found dead in the 900 block of Old Aiken Road in North Augusta, South Carolina. Deputies arrived about 5:20 p.m. after reports of a shooting and the Aiken County Coroner’s Office later attributed his death to multiple gunshot wounds. Burley was CEO of Cash, No Credit Records and a father to two daughters, Amari Burley and Ne’vah Smith, and is remembered for his warm, infectious personality.

Witnesses said a man later identified as 23-year-old Stephon Xzavier Dunbar exited a residence on Old Aiken Road and began firing at Burley. After the shooting, Dunbar and a woman, identified as 29-year-old Shirlette Dainelle Hayes, were seen fleeing in a vehicle. Hayes surrendered to authorities on the evening of Wednesday, April 3, 2024, and was charged with Murder, Attempted Murder, and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Crime; she was booked at the Aiken County Detention Center. Dunbar remains the subject of an active search and is described as a Black male, 6 feet tall, about 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The motive and any connection between Burley and the suspects have not been released.

If anyone knew Tavaris or has information about the events on Old Aiken Road, please share what you know.