Dates: December 17, 1993- September 18, 2022
The Tragedy:
Police Officer Seara Burton tragically lost her life on August 10th, 2022, as a result of a gunshot wound sustained during a traffic stop.
Officer Burton had responded to a request for assistance from fellow officers who were attempting to stop a moped driven by a narcotics suspect in Indiana. Deploying her loyal canine partner, Brev, Officer Burton’s sharp instincts led to the discovery of narcotics in the moped. As the officers commenced a search of the vehicle, the suspect unexpectedly produced a concealed handgun and opened fire, tragically striking Officer Burton in the head. In response, other officers swiftly returned fire, injuring the suspect before he attempted to flee on foot. Following a brief pursuit, the suspect was apprehended and taken into custody.
Officer Burton valiantly clung to life and was transported to Miami Valley Hospital, where she remained on life support until September 1st. On September 3rd, she was transferred to a hospice facility, where she ultimately succumbed to her wounds on September 18th, 2022.
Officer Burton had dutifully served the Richmond Police Department for four years, displaying unwavering dedication to her community. She is survived by her mother, stepmother, and fiancée, who she was set to marry only nine days after she was shot.
More info:
indystar : Everything we know about Seara Burton’s death
The Service:
Officer Burton was honored on September 26, 2022, at Richmond High School and was then carried through a procession to Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis where she was laid to rest.
Burton’s fiancée, Sierra Neal, spoke fondly of her partner, “Behind the badge was the woman of my dreams. A woman who could be treated and talked to in an awful way for eight hours a day at work and could still come home and laugh and be so kind-hearted.”
Burton’s stepmother, partner, and other friends spoke during the funeral remembering her joy, bravery, loyalty, and determination.
Both Burton’s mother, Jennifer Miller, and her fiancée, Sierra Neal, received folded flags during the ceremony that took place at Crown Hill Cemetery.
More info:
indystar : Funeral service for fallen Richmond Police Officer
fox59 : ‘Until we meet again, my love’
The Justice:
The suspect was identified as 48-year-old Phillip Matthew Lee. Following the incident, he was transported to a local hospital where he appeared for his first trial on August 9, 2022, from his hospital bed. His full trial is set to start February 10, 2025, and he could face the death penalty if he’s found guilty. Lee has been charged with murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, and drug related charges.
More info:
wthr : Judge sets 2025 trial date
Delivery:
An artist has not yet been assigned to complete this portrait.