Nicholas J. Burnett, a 35-year-old man from Boardman, Ohio, was tragically killed on January 26, 2020. Nick, as he was known, was born on September 16, 1984, and lived his entire life in Boardman. He was a graduate of Boardman High School and Youngstown State University, where he played football. Nick was also a dedicated firefighter, having graduated from the Youngstown Fire Department Training Academy in 2008. At the time of his death, he was employed by Pondscape and McCarthy Systems Co. Inc.
On the night of his death, Nick was found shot to death in a Kia Forte registered to his fiancée, Katherine Cerimele, in front of 720 Parkview Avenue in Youngstown. The investigation revealed that Nick suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head and body. Youngstown police officers Jacob Short and Ber Fronzaglio responded to the scene and found Nick's body inside the car, along with several spent shell casings inside and outside the vehicle.
The investigation into Nick's murder has been extensive. Police collected DNA evidence from an Austintown man with a criminal record for heroin possession, but no arrests have been made to date. The evidence also included two cell phones and swabs from Nick's fingernails. Despite these efforts, the case remains unsolved, and the Youngstown Police Department continues to seek justice for Nick's family.
Nick's death was ruled a homicide by the Mahoning County Coroner's Office on April 10, 2020. He is remembered fondly by his family and friends, who describe him as a wonderful soul who fought a hard battle. He is survived by his mother, Mary Anne McCarthy; his father, John Burnett; his stepfather, Terry McCarthy; his brothers, Tony and Mike Burnett; his fiancée, Katherine Cerimele; and his young son, Hunter.
The loss of Nicholas J. Burnett has left a significant impact on his community, and his loved ones continue to seek closure and justice for his untimely death.
