A 20-year-old man accused of a brutal murder has surrendered to police, but he’s fighting back with a bold claim of innocence and a promise of a lawsuit. Zaquan Shaquez Jamison, wanted for murder and multiple counts of attempted murder in Santee, South Carolina, turned himself in to the North Charleston Police Department on August 15, 2025. This development in the Zaquan Jamison murder investigation comes as he made a striking statement to the court, asserting that severe injuries from a past accident make it impossible for him to have committed the crime.
His defense hinges on a medical condition he described as “Augusta Burner Syndrome,” which he says left his hands too damaged to pull a trigger. Medical experts note that “Augusta Burner Syndrome” is not a recognized medical term, suggesting Jamison may have misspoken or meant to describe complications from his burns or a related condition like a stinger injury. Jamison faces serious charges stemming from a January 13, 2025, shooting that killed 17-year-old Ja’Mereion “Mari” Deangelo Crawford. Authorities allege Jamison fired 27 rounds through a window of a home on Boo Circle in Santee, with ten other people inside, leading to one count of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and a charge of possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Warrants claim Jamison and an unnamed accomplice laughed as they fled the scene.
Despite being flagged as armed and dangerous, Jamison contacted Charleston County dispatch, identified himself, and arranged to surrender peacefully. He was arrested without incident on Evanston Boulevard and transferred to the custody of the Santee Police Department after a brief stay at the Al Cannon Detention Center.
In court, Jamison spoke directly to the victim’s mother, who attended the arraignment by phone and requested that his bond be denied. He stated, “If I’m found not guilty, I would like to sincerely apologize on Facebook.” More notably, he declared that his parents plan to file a lawsuit, arguing that his arrest overlooks his physical limitations.
Jamison claimed that a car crash in October 2023 left him with severe burn injuries and fractured hands, rendering him unable to fire a gun.
“These hands can’t pull the trigger. They can’t even bend. They just break into no tension,”
He told the judge, referencing what he called “Augusta Burner Syndrome.” Medical experts note that severe burn injuries can cause contractures, where scar tissue restricts movement, or nerve damage that impairs hand function. A medical evaluation will likely play a key role in his defense, as it could determine whether his injuries support his claim of being physically incapable of the crime.
The announcement of a lawsuit has raised questions about Jamison’s case. While details of the lawsuit remain unclear, it may target authorities for alleged wrongful accusation or failure to consider his medical condition. The case has sparked discussion on social media, with many intrigued by Jamison’s emotional plea and the unusual defense centered on his injuries. As the investigation continues, Santee Police Chief Kevin Borghi has indicated that more arrests are pending, suggesting the case may involve additional suspects.
Jamison remains in custody as prosecutors prepare to present formal charges. The outcome of his case could hinge on medical evidence and the strength of his defense, which has already drawn significant attention. Community members in Santee and North Charleston have expressed relief at his peaceful surrender, but the gravity of the charges and the tragic loss of a young life in the Zaquan Jamison murder case keep it in the spotlight.
