Authorities have reported that the man who was charged with fatally shooting an Indiana police officer in the head in 2022 has passed away on Thursday at a state prison.
Awaiting trial for murder and other charges in the death of Richmond Officer Seara Burton, Phillip Lee was held at Pendleton prison.
According to state police, Lee was found unresponsive and alone in his cell by correctional staff. The cause of his death is still unknown as toxicology results and an autopsy are pending. However, state police have stated that foul play is not suspected in this case.
No further information was disclosed.
In September 2022, Officer Burton lost her life at the age of 28 while aiding fellow officers who had halted Lee on his moped and had suspicions about his drug possession. Burton had served as a police officer for four years in Richmond, which is located approximately 65 miles (105 kilometers) east of Indianapolis.
Lee’s case had the potential of receiving the death penalty, according to prosecutors.