Asheville Man Sentenced for 2020 Murder
Tyran Dewayne Burton received 39 to 50 years in prison for his role in a fatal 2020 shooting.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Violence
A judge sentenced Tyran Dewayne Burton to 39 to 50 years in prison following his guilty plea for second-degree murder and other felony charges. The sentencing follows a fatal shooting at the Pisgah View Apartments in 2020 that claimed the life of Adrian Terrell Smith.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process involving multiple defendants linked to the deadly home invasion. Authorities identified the suspects by tracking surveillance footage of individuals who entered the residence through a back door.
Tyran Dewayne Burton received a combined 39 to 50 years in prison, including 365 to 450 months for second-degree murder and a consecutive 110 to 144 months for assault. The investigation was conducted by the Asheville Police Department.
The players
Tyran Dewayne Burton
The defendant was convicted for his role in the 2020 homicide and home invasion.
Adrian Terrell Smith
The 29-year-old victim died from gunshot wounds sustained during the incident.
Sherwayne Akeem Boscom
A co-defendant who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a 19 to 24-year sentence.
Dajour Johahaun McDay
The co-defendant pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and firearm possession.
Asheville Police Department
The local agency responsible for investigating the crime and identifying the suspects.
The details
Two armed individuals entered the Pisgah View Apartments through a back door and initiated a shooting that killed Adrian Terrell Smith at the scene. Police utilized surveillance footage to track the two individuals as they approached and fled the building.
Timeline
April 3, 2020: Two individuals were found shot at the Pisgah View Apartments.
April 10, 2020: Tyran Dewayne Burton was arrested and charged.
November 2025: Sherwayne Akeem Boscom pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
September 21, 2026: Tyran Dewayne Burton pleaded guilty and was sentenced.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard prosecution patterns for violent home invasions in North Carolina. Sentencing outcomes for such offenses are strictly governed by state statutes regarding second-degree murder and firearm-related assault charges.
The conviction brings a close to a high-profile violent crime case that impacted residents of the Pisgah View Apartments. The resolution underscores local law enforcement efforts to utilize digital surveillance in securing felony convictions.
The takeaway
The use of surveillance footage was pivotal in identifying suspects who entered the building through a rear entrance. Authorities continue to emphasize that modern forensic methods are essential for solving cases involving multiple defendants.
Further reading
For more information on public safety, visit the Violence section.
