Crime
25-year-old Darius Goolsby killed in Greensboro shooting, suspect Jalen Burch charged with murder
GREENSBORO, NC (January 6, 2025) — At approximately 9:23 a.m., first responders from Greensboro Police, Greensboro Fire, and Guilford County EMS were dispatched to a reported stabbing and gunshot wound incident at 2939 W. Vandalia Road.
Upon arrival, authorities located 25-year-old Darius Deshaud Goolsby in a breezeway, suffering from injuries consistent with a gunshot wound.
Life-saving measures were initiated, and Goolsby was transported to a local hospital.
Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. His next of kin have been notified.
Detectives and forensic investigators processed the scene and quickly identified a suspect, 25-year-old Jalen Xavier Burch.
Burch was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Goolsby’s death.
This incident marks Greensboro’s fourth homicide of 2025.
Speaking from police headquarters, Chief John Thompson addressed the city’s concerns regarding recent homicides.
“We recognize that community safety is on the minds of many across Greensboro. Please be aware that none of the four recent homicides are connected,” Chief Thompson stated. “Our team is following leads and has already made arrests in two of the four cases. One of these arrests is the result of significant collaboration between GPD and the community, and we are grateful for this support and partnership. We’re stronger and more effective when we work together to keep our neighborhoods and families safe.”
Greensboro Police urge anyone with additional information about this incident to contact Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000. Calls to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously, and tips may be eligible for a cash reward.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be released as new information becomes available.
Crime
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado — A Lakewood police agent who was critically wounded during a shootout with a suspect aboard an RTD bus has died, authorities confirmed. The fallen officer was identified as Nic Graham, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019.
Graham was among four police agents injured Thursday evening when an armed confrontation erupted near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. A civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire.
The shooting followed a police search for a suspect connected to a hit-and-run crash reported earlier in the day.
Police said the incident initially began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, following a hit-and-run collision near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect ran away almost immediately after the crash. However, they provided officers with a description that helped police identify and search for the individual.
Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero said witnesses were able to give officers a useful description of the person who fled the scene.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent recognized the individual boarding an RTD bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Officers approached the suspect at approximately 6:32 p.m. Police said the individual opened fire on officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Gabriel Garcia.
Garcia was reportedly on parole when the shooting occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Four Lakewood police agents suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Their injuries ranged from serious to critical, and all four were transported to nearby hospitals.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Graham later died from his injuries.
One civilian bystander was also hit by gunfire and hospitalized. The person’s condition had not been publicly disclosed as of Friday afternoon.
Hospital updates released Friday morning indicated that two agents treated at Denver Health Medical Center had been released. Another remained hospitalized, while officials had not provided a complete update on the remaining injured individuals.
Graham began serving with the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 after graduating from the police academy.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he contributed to criminal investigations and earned recognition for his work.
One of his notable achievements came in 2023, when he received the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his contributions to investigations targeting gang members.
Police Chief Philip Smith paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
Chief Smith said Graham demonstrated those qualities throughout his career, from his early days on patrol to his investigative work.
His death has left the department and the wider Lakewood community grieving the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to public service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
The shooting resulted in the death of suspect Gabriel Garcia, the fatal injury of Agent Nic Graham, injuries to three additional police agents and a civilian bystander.
Officials have not released a final investigative account of the incident. Further updates are expected as investigators establish the complete sequence of events.