Oregon PD Chief: Investigation into 7-year-old’s death still ongoing

OREGON – Oregon Police Department Chief Shawn Melville said the investigation into the death of 7-year-old Nathaniel Burton is still ongoing and an update will come following a full autopsy and toxicology report in 1-3 weeks.

On Feb. 17, Burton, son of Bryan E. and Sarah L. (Safranek) Burton, was pronounced deceased after OPD responded to a 2:35 a.m. 911 call for a 7-year-old that was not breathing at a residence in the 400 block of South 10th Street. After CPR attempts, Burton was transported to KSB Hospital in Dixon, where he was later pronounced deceased.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation into what officials have confirmed as a potential homicide continues.

Melville said OPD is the lead agency on the investigation and he’s been working with the Lee County Coroner’s office and the Ogle County State’s Attorney.

“We meet with them pretty much every day. The Sheriff’s detective division has done a couple follow-ups with peripheral parts of the investigation,” Melville said.

Melville said his department has spoken to the Department of Children and Family Services about the case and DCFS is aware of the investigation. He declined to say what those conversations consisted of.

Oregon Police has had experiences in the past responding to calls at the home where Burton was found deceased.

“We’ve had experiences in the past with the family,” Melville said. “Numerous calls to the residence. I don’t want to say what they’re in reference to because a lot of it is juvenile and medical information.”

A vigil was held the night of Feb. 23 in honor of Burton.

“Whenever you have a child die in a small town, all the kids know him and a lot of the parents do too,” Melville said. “It’s tough. A couple hundred people attend a vigil. It’s a tough situation and our guys are working hard. We’ve gotten the help we’ve asked for from everyone. It’s not easy.”

Melville said to expect further details in the coming weeks.

“After the autopsy is complete you’ll hear from us,” Melville said.