Father remembers son killed in hotel shooting in Durham: 'Just want justice'

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- For years, Abdul Burnette has been a community activist in Durham, standing up against murder and violence. Now, that violence has touched his own family.

"You can't explain how you lost a child's life. You can't explain it when you lose your child," Burnette told ABC11.

Burnette is remembering his son, Suliman Nazir Burnette, who just turned 18 this year, his whole life ahead of him.

"He had a very bright smile, very bright smile, always was full of laughter. He always was happy everywhere," Burnette said.

Suliman Burnette was shot and killed Tuesday night at the SureStay Plus by Best Western Hotel on Hillsborough Road in Durham. He died at the scene.

Abdul Burnette said he was told Durham Police have a suspect identified.

"They haven't told us who it is yet. Only thing that we got was that he has a warrant for the arrest, and they're going to be looking at every county for that," Burnette said.

The grieving father said he hopes his son's story, like so many others, will inspire Durham to stand together against violence.

In the meantime, he has a message for the person who took his son's life.

"Just turn yourself in. Just imagine if it was your kid. It hurts deep down in my heart to see somebody on the loose and on the run," Burnette said. "They could kill again. It's murder. Only thing I say is that I want you to bring yourself in, turn yourself in to justice. I just want justice for my son."

Durham Police have not confirmed they have identified a suspect, and no arrests have been made.