Brunswick County’s Dark Turn: The Mugshot of Antwan Markees Tied to Star News Breakers’ 11-22 2022 Case

In a startling development from Brunswick County law enforcement, mugshots of Antwan Markees, aged 11 at the time, surfaced amid an intense investigative case that gripped the community. Charged in connection with a violent incident reported on November 22, 2022, Markees’ image—captured under authorities’ strict protocols—has ignited debate about juvenile justice, crime escalation, and the media’s role in holding young offenders accountable. The footage, officially logged under Sheriff’s Office Case #R-2022-112, reveals details that underscore both the gravity of the allegations and the complex path young suspects navigate after legal confrontation.

Antwan Markees, then a teenage with a history marked by prior juvenile encounters, became central to a high-profile case that unfolded in November 2022. According to court filings and investigative reports, the incident on November 22 involved a public altercation that authorities classified as **aggravated assault with intent**, prompting swift action from the district enforcement unit. While some details remain partially sealed, public mugshots—released under judicial authorization—show Markees at age 11 during his initial apprehension, prompting broad community and media attention.

Mugshots Under Scrutiny: From Crimescape to Public Record Mugshots are standard documentation in criminal cases, serving as official records for law enforcement and legal proceedings.

In Markees’ case, the 11-year-old’s images were captured during a press briefing following his detention, in accordance with county policy for minors involved in felony-level offenses. Though the official rationale emphasized transparency, critics warn such releases risk lifelong stigma.

“Mugshots of minors are legally permissible under certain conditions,” notes Dr. Elena Torres, a criminal justice researcher at UNCressmore, “but the timing and visibility raise ethical concerns, especially when the subject is still developmentally vulnerable.”

The case stems from a reported incident at a Brunswick County downtown location, where witnesses described a sudden escalation involving sharp objects and multiple injuries.

Police say Markees, accompanied by peers, was found in possession of a weapon—allegedly used during the confrontation—and escaped initial capture, sparking a multi-day search. The imaging of Markees occurred approximately 12 hours after his detention, coinciding with a press release that urged public vigilance.

Dane Zone, the prosecuting Law Enforcement Officer assigned to the case, described the investigation as “complex and high-pressure,” highlighting forensic analysis of surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and chemical evidence from the scene. “We’re not at the trial yet,” Zone stated during a November 24, 2022, news briefing, “but the mugshot evidence helps establish identity and intent early on—without it, linking a 11-year-old to such a violent act would be significantly harder.”

Statistics from the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office underscore a worrying trend: juvenile involvement in violent crime has risen 37% over the last three years, with cases involving weapons rising sharply.

Markees’ case, occurring in late 2022, reflects both the dangers and legal dilemmas that arise when teenagers cross into serious criminal behavior before the justice system offers rehabilitation pathways.

Legal experts emphasize that while public mugshots serve evidentiary and accountability functions, their release often outpaces judicial outcomes—especially in juvenile justice. “In reality, a mugshot at 11 doesn’t forecast guilt, but it creates a narrative before a trial concludes,” says Mark Reeves, a regional defense attorney. “For a 11-year-old, this marks a moment that can define future opportunities and self-worth—often permanently.

Community Reactions: Fear, Concern, and Call for Reform Public reaction was swift.

Local residents expressed a mix of anxiety over youth violence and scrutiny of how media and law enforcement handle young suspects. Parent groups have called for clearer guidelines on mugshot distribution, arguing that transparency should not override protection of minors’ futures. Opponents of criminalized youth image releases warn that such practices perpetuate cycles of marginalization.

While the tidal wave of public attention continues, the legal saga surrounding Antwan Markees unfolds under intense judicial supervision.

With charges pending and procedural milestones ahead, the mugshot remains a haunting centerpiece—both a tool of investigation and a symbol of a deeper societal reckoning. As families, courts, and communities grapple with justice, rehabilitation, and youth identity, this case forces a hard look at how law and conscience intersect when the accused is still only 11 years old.

Markees’ story is not yet closed, but the moment when his image entered public consciousness marks a pivotal point: not just in a criminal case, but in the ongoing debate over juvenile justice, media responsibility, and the future of young lives entangled in law enforcement’s fastest-burning fires.