BURLINGTON CITY, NJ — A significant breakthrough in a two-month-old investigation came on August 15, when authorities apprehended James H. McDowell Jr., a 33-year-old resident of Beverly City, for the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Derrick Adams. McDowell was arrested in Roanoke, Virginia, and is now facing a range of charges related to the incident that took place in Burlington City’s New Yorkshire neighborhood.

The shooting, which occurred in June 2025, had left the community in shock, and law enforcement agencies were working tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice. After a thorough investigation, McDowell was charged with first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and certain persons not to have firearms, as McDowell has a prior criminal history that prohibits him from possessing firearms.

Details of the Incident and Investigation

The shooting of Derrick Adams took place on June 10, 2025, in the New Yorkshire neighborhood, a typically quiet and tight-knit community in Burlington City. Authorities received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the area, and police arrived at the scene to find Adams suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, Adams was later pronounced dead from his injuries.

Burlington City police and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office began investigating the case immediately, canvassing the area for any witnesses, collecting forensic evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby cameras. The authorities worked closely with local and state investigators to piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting.

Witnesses reported hearing an argument between Adams and an unidentified individual just before the shots were fired. However, there was little immediate information on the suspect’s identity. The lack of concrete leads at the beginning of the investigation made it difficult to make progress. However, detectives were able to collect vital pieces of evidence over time, leading them to McDowell as a prime suspect.

The Arrest of James H. McDowell Jr.

McDowell, who was known to have a prior criminal record, had been on the run for several weeks following the shooting. Authorities discovered that he had fled the state of New Jersey shortly after the incident, and a nationwide search was launched. McDowell’s whereabouts remained unknown until August 15, when a tip led law enforcement to Roanoke, Virginia.

The arrest was carried out by the Roanoke City Police Department with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. McDowell was found in a local motel in the city and was arrested without incident. Following his arrest, McDowell was transported to the Roanoke City Adult Detention Center, where he is currently being held pending extradition back to New Jersey.

Authorities have expressed relief at the successful capture of McDowell and are now preparing to present the case to a grand jury for potential indictment. The grand jury will review the evidence and determine whether to formally charge McDowell with first-degree murder and the related firearm offenses.

The Charges Against James H. McDowell Jr.

McDowell has been charged with several serious offenses, including:

• First-Degree Murder: This charge carries the most severe penalty under New Jersey law, with the possibility of life imprisonment without parole if McDowell is convicted.

• Certain Persons Not to Have Firearms (Second-Degree): McDowell is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior criminal conviction. This charge holds significant weight as it is considered a felony.

• Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second-Degree): This charge stems from the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime, namely the fatal shooting of Derrick Adams.

• Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second-Degree): McDowell was found to have a firearm in his possession at the time of his arrest, which further supports the charges against him.

McDowell is expected to face these charges in a New Jersey court in the coming months as the legal process moves forward.

Statements from Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Police Chief Ryan P. Elbertson

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Burlington City Police Chief Ryan P. Elbertson have both issued statements expressing their commitment to justice for Derrick Adams and his family.

Prosecutor Bradshaw praised the collaborative efforts of local law enforcement, the U.S. Marshals, and other agencies involved in the investigation. “The tragic death of Derrick Adams has affected not only his family but the entire Burlington City community. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served, and I am grateful for the dedicated work of our law enforcement partners in apprehending James McDowell,” said Bradshaw. “This case is now in the hands of the grand jury, and we will continue to work tirelessly to bring closure to this case.”

Chief Elbertson echoed these sentiments, thanking the public for their patience and support throughout the investigation. “The people of Burlington City have shown incredible resilience in the wake of this tragedy. We know that this arrest is a step toward healing for Derrick’s family and the community. I want to assure everyone that we will continue to work diligently to ensure that justice is served.”

Derrick Adams: A Life Remembered

Derrick Adams, 38, was a beloved member of the Burlington City community. Friends and family remember him as a kind-hearted individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand. His sudden and tragic death has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him.

Adams was known for his work in the local community, volunteering with various charitable organizations and helping those in need. He was described by friends as someone who had a deep sense of empathy and cared greatly for the well-being of others. He was also known for his love of sports, especially basketball, and spent many hours coaching local youth teams.

Derrick’s family has expressed their deep grief following his death but has also shared their gratitude for the support they have received from the community and law enforcement. In a statement, the family said, “We are heartbroken by the loss of Derrick, but we are thankful to the authorities for their relentless work in bringing justice to our family. We ask for privacy as we continue to mourn and heal from this senseless tragedy.”

The Legal Process and What’s Next

With the arrest of McDowell, the legal process will now focus on securing an indictment and preparing the case for trial. McDowell’s extradition to New Jersey is expected to take place in the coming days, after which he will be formally arraigned on the charges against him.

The grand jury will play a pivotal role in determining whether McDowell will face trial for first-degree murder and the related charges. Should the case proceed to trial, McDowell could face a lengthy legal battle, with the potential for a conviction that could result in a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Community Impact and Continued Support

The arrest of McDowell has provided a sense of relief to the Burlington City community, which had been reeling from the violent death of Derrick Adams. While the arrest marks a significant step forward in the case, local residents continue to mourn the loss of a friend, neighbor, and mentor. Many have expressed their support for Adams’ family and have pledged to continue to advocate for justice.

In the wake of the tragedy, there have been calls from local leaders and community activists to address the underlying issues that contribute to violence in the area. Community organizations have called for increased programs aimed at youth engagement, conflict resolution, and reducing the accessibility of illegal firearms.

As the case progresses, the community remains hopeful that Derrick Adams’ legacy will live on through the work of those who continue to honor his memory and strive for a safer, more supportive environment for all.

A Message to the Public

As the legal process moves forward, both the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Burlington City Police Department have urged anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward. Tips and information can be submitted confidentially to the Burlington City Police Department or the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

“Our work is not done yet,” said Prosecutor Bradshaw. “We encourage anyone who has information that could assist in this case to come forward. Every piece of information helps us get closer to justice.”

In conclusion, while the arrest of James H. McDowell Jr. brings hope for justice in the tragic death of Derrick Adams, the road to closure is still long. The case will continue to unfold, and both law enforcement and the community are committed to ensuring that Derrick Adams’ family receives the justice they deserve. The thoughts and prayers of many continue to go out to them during this incredibly difficult time.