Coroner: 7-year-old Oregon boy’s death being investigated as a homicide

OREGON – The death of 7-year-old Oregon boy is being investigated as a homicide, the Lee County coroner said this afternoon.

An autopsy was conducted this morning, but the specifics on the cause of death are being withheld until the autopsy report and toxicology results are in, which will take about a month, Coroner Jesse Partington said.

Nathaniel L. Burton, son of Bryan E. and Sarah L. (Safranek) Burton, was found unresponsive in his bed in his home in the 400 block of South 10th Street around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.

CPR was being performed when police arrived, Oregon PD said in a news release Wednesday.

The boy was taken to KSB Hospital in Dixon, and was in full cardiac arrest upon arrival, Partington said.

Oregon Police Chief Shawn Mellville, who is heading the investigation, was unavailable to comment this afternoon.

Nathaniel was a first-grader at Oregon Elementary School.

Staff and students “are grieving at different levels” today, said Superintendent Tom Mahoney, adding that the district’s crisis team has been activated, making counselors available to teachers and students.

Mahoney posted this message on the Oregon CUSD 220 Facebook page Wednesday:

“This message was sent to OCUSD Families at 3:15 p.m. today.

“OCUSD Families,

“It is with a heavy heart that I share news of the death of a first-grade student at [Oregon Elementary School]. We are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family. A student’s passing is a very difficult experience for family, friends, staff, and our community.

“We have notified all families of the student’s classmates and have no additional information at this time. As more information becomes available, we will share it with you.

“I anticipate this information will be on the news, and children may have questions and concerns about losing a classmate. The District is available to provide counseling to our OCUSD staff and families. Your well-being is our top priority. Please feel free to contact our school counselors to help guide you in those discussions and provide any support for your family’s needs.”