PENDLETON, Ind. — Indiana State Police is investigating the death of an inmate Thursday morning, who is the suspect in the murder of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton.
According to ISP, Phillip M. Lee, 48, was found unresponsive in his cell around 12:45 a.m. June 6 at the Pendleton Correctional Facility.
Correctional staff immediately responded and tried to provide medical care, but Lee was pronounced dead.
Toxicology results and an autopsy are pending, but police said no foul play is suspected in Lee's death.
Lee's trial was scheduled to begin Feb. 10, 2025. He could've face the death penalty if he was convicted in Burton's death.
The Pendleton Correctional Facility requested the assistance of Indiana State Police to investigate the death, per protocol.
The Madison County Coroner's Office and Indiana Department of Correction also assisted in the investigation.
Later in the day on June 6, Lee's defense team released a statement saying:
"The legal team of Phillip Lee is deeply saddened by his passing today at the Pendleton Correctional Facility, in Pendleton, Indiana. He is survived by his brother Michael Lee, sister Theiran Cottman, his children Tyler Scammahorn, Preston Lee, and Emily Crawford as well as several friends who mourn his loss."
"It's always there on everybody's mind," said Elizabeth Williams, who lives near the 2022 scene. "Just waiting and hoping for the right outcome for justice to be served."
It's something her colleagues were waiting for, too.
"The Richmond community and beyond continue to grieve Officer Burton. We will never forget her bravery and service," Richmond Assistant Police Chief Adam Blanton said.
"When I first found out, I was glad. But if he took his own life, that was the chicken way to go out, but I hope that's not what happened," Williams said.
Even though Burton's family may never see their day in court, some members of the Richmond community are at least hoping they find peace.
"Two years ago, a very bad thing happened in our city. We don't have justice, but we have something like closure," Richmond Mayor Ron Oler said.
Now that this chapter is closing, they're choosing to start the next one, focusing on Burton's legacy in the community.
"As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of Officer Burton in our spirit and heart," Blanton said.
"Nobody will ever forget her. Hopefully, better things are to come in Seara's name," Williams said.
Recounting the shooting
Burton was shot around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022. The day after the shooting, Richmond Police Chief Michael Britt said Burton was in "extremely critical" condition after suffering a gunshot wound to her head.
At the time, she was helping other officers with a traffic stop. When her K-9 partner, Brev, went to check Lee's moped, Burton went to talk to Lee. That's when he allegedly pulled out a gun and shot several rounds toward officers.
Court documents say Lee was aiming at the officers' "head and facial areas."
Burton was shot at close range, and the officer next to her was nearly shot in the head. Other officers returned fire, and Lee shot at them as he ran away.
The shooting happened less than two weeks before Burton's wedding day.
Officer Burton taken off life support, transferred to hospice
Major Jon Bales announced Burton would be taken off life support on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. He said her injuries had been determined to be "unrecoverable" and that she would live on through organ donation.
Days later, Burton was transferred to a hospice facility in the Richmond area on Sept. 3, 2022.
"Seara will live on and continue to be a hero with her selfless gift of organ donation. Officer Burton will continue to serve others long after her passing," Bales said.
When taken off life support, Burton continued fighting.
Officer Burton's death
Burton died the night of Sunday, Sept. 18, more than five weeks after she was critically injured in the shooting, Britt announced.
In a statement, Britt said Burton died at 9:59 p.m. at a hospital surrounded by her family.
"We would sincerely like to thank the Richmond community, and those who have supported Seara, her Family, and the Department from near and far," Britt said in the statement. "Thank you to all of those who have shown unbelievable support throughout this very difficult time including the Dayton Police Department, The Indiana State Police, Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police, Richmond Fire Department and Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, as well as many other agencies."
The Richmond Police Department updated that K-9 Brev visited Burton on multiple occasions.