Man accused of murdering Indiana police officer dies in prison while awaiting trial

PENDLETON, Indiana (AP) – A man charged with fatal shooting of a police officer in Indiana in the head in 2022 died Thursday in a state prison, authorities said.

Phillip Lee, 49, was held at Pendleton Prison while awaiting the trial next year on murder and other charges in connection with the death of Richmond police Officer Seara Burton. He was found by correctional staff alone and unconscious in his cell, state police said.

Police did not release any details, but Lee’s lawyer said he suffered from mental health problems and committed suicide.

“Phillip had very serious mental health issues. This was not something that developed in the last week or two,” Denise Turner told the Associated Press.

“We’ve had some mental health professionals work with Phillip, but they can’t be there 24/7,” Turner said. “The prison has done nothing to help Phillip.”

Greg Dunn, spokesman for the Indiana Department of Correction, said he could not comment.

Burton, 28, was shot while helping police officers who had stopped Lee on his moped and suspected he was in possession of drugs. She died a month later in September 2022. She was a police officer for four years in Richmond, about 65 miles east of Indianapolis.

Turner said Lee recently expressed remorse.

Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly said he had spoken to Burton’s family about Lee’s death. Mayor Ron Oler wiped tears from his eyes at a news conference.

“Two years ago, something very bad happened in our city,” Oler said. “We don’t have real justice, but we do have some closure. Maybe not the result that the citizens wanted, but at least there is a result.”

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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story also discusses suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call or text the U.S. National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org