Durham Police are looking for at least three people they believe are connected to the disappearance of a local father of six, who hasn't been seen in nearly two months.
Police have arrested one person so far – who is now in jail with a $2 million bond.
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Darrius Tyson's criminal record shows it's not his first time in jail. He has a lengthy history – including being convicted of murder back in 2010. He was supposed to spend a minimum of 14 years in prison. Instead, he was released in 2020.
Tyson is one of at least four men Durham police believe is behind the disappearance of Shawn Burton.
Police arrested Tyson last week, charging him with first degree kidnapping and conspiracy to commit murder.
Burton's wife, who asked WRAL News not use her name, says she's relieved at least one person has been arrested for her husband's disappearance.
"That way hopefully we will be able to find out who are the other people who are involved, and hopefully find out exactly where Shawn is," she says.
Tyson's arrest warrant states that Burton was restrained and seriously injured. It also states that police believe at least three other people were involved, and that Tyson conspired with them to commit murder.
Police would not say, however, if they believe a murder was in fact carried out.
Meanwhile, Burton's wife is left to wonder how much she should dare to hope for a positive outcome.
"It’s just really tough. It’s been two months, and just not knowing is the whole thing," she says. "You want to hold onto hope. You hope for the best – and you have to prepare for the worst as well.
Burton's wife says her husband worked as a club promoter – and that she recognizes Tyson. She says Tyson was supposed to perform at an event her husband was planning at a local club.
WRAL News asked the District Attorney's Office why Tyson was let out of prison early.
A spokesperson says he was granted a new trial because of questions surrounding how his attorney and the DA's office handled the case.
That new trial has not yet happened.