Eric Burch, a 26-year-old African American male, was fatally shot on December 25, 2016, in Houston, Texas. The incident occurred at the Trails At Dominion Park apartment complex on Dominion Park Drive, where Burch had arrived to pick up his children from his common-law ex-wife's residence. According to investigators, Burch got into a physical altercation with Zacchaeus Mitchell, the boyfriend of Burch's children's mother.
During the fight, Mitchell allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot Burch at least once. Burch was transported to Houston Northwest Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit launched an investigation into the case. An arrest warrant was issued for Zacchaeus Mitchell, a 22-year-old African American male, described as heavyset, weighing between 250 and 275 pounds, and standing between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall. Mitchell fled the scene in a silver-colored vehicle but later turned himself in to the authorities. He was charged with murder, and his bail was set at $30,000. Mitchell's first court appearance was scheduled for the following Thursday.
Burch's family, including his father Eric Burch Sr. and his mother Arletha M. Burch, expressed their grief and shared positive memories of him. They described Burch as a loving father, brother, cousin, and son who was excited about celebrating Christmas with his family and bringing his children back home. The family gathered in New Waverly to mourn his loss and remember the good times they had with him.
The case garnered media attention, and the community was urged to provide any information about Mitchell's whereabouts to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The investigation continued as authorities sought to bring justice for Eric Burch and his family.
