On August 30, 2008, Garrett Burton, a 16-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, was tragically shot and killed while participating in a prank with friends. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. along Hilliard-Rome Road, where Garrett and several other teens were throwing eggs at passing vehicles. During the egg-throwing incident, a vehicle was struck, and an unidentified male approached Garrett. The man confronted the teens, threatening Garrett, and then shot him, leading to Garrett's death at the scene.
The person responsible fled, and despite ongoing investigations, the case remains unsolved.
Garrett was a student at Westland High School, known for his love of sports, including basketball, bowling, swimming, and golf. He was also employed at a local Kroger store and enjoyed music, especially rapping. Garrett’s death has left a deep void in his family, particularly for his father, George Burton, a police officer who has dedicated nearly 30 years to law enforcement. George Burton has made numerous public appeals for information, emphasizing that the community’s help is crucial to solving this case. Despite the efforts of law enforcement and the assistance of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, no suspects have been apprehended.
The Columbus Police Department and Crime Stoppers continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward, offering the assurance that tips can be given anonymously. Garrett’s family, friends, and the community have held vigils to honor his memory, and they continue to seek justice for his untimely death. Authorities remain hopeful that someone will eventually provide the key information needed to solve this tragic case and bring some closure to Garrett's family.
