Arrest Made In 2022 Fairfield Murder: Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — A suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of 15-year-old Stratford resident Zion Burton in Fairfield in July 2022.

During a news conference Friday morning, Fairfield Police Chief Michael Paris said the suspect, who was 16 years old at the time of the killing, is currently being tried as a juvenile. His name has not been released, but due to the seriousness of the crime, prosecutors may seek to try him as an adult in the future.

The suspect has been charged with murder, first-degree assault, and carrying a pistol without a permit. He remains in custody at the Manson Correctional Youth Institution in Cheshire, where he was being held on unrelated charges.

Burton was shot and killed during a party at Calvin United Church of Christ on Kings Highway East on July 9, 2022. A second victim suffered a gunshot wound during the incident and survived.

Both were part of a large crowd at the church for a birthday party of a then 13-year-old boy, according to police.

Burton would have turned 16 years old less than a week later had he survived.

"This is the death of a 15-year-old boy at the hands of a 16-year-old in Calvin United Church of Christ," Paris said. "Street violence has got to stop, and today we're here to show that Fairfield will not put up with this."

The case is ongoing, so Paris said that there were details he could not share on Friday, but said that detectives from the Fairfield Police Major Crimes Unit were able to identify the suspect and "subsequently developed sufficient evidence to apply for an arrest warrant."

"From the moment this crime occurred, the men and women of the Fairfield Police Department made a commitment that this case would not be forgotten," Paris said. "Our detectives, in our law enforcement partners, dedicated countless hours, pursuing every lead, reviewing evidence, conducting interviews, following up on tips, and ensuring that no detail was overlooked. Our detectives remained focused on this investigation and did not stop until we were able to bring it to resolution.

"As I have said in recent statements, if you commit a crime in Fairfield, we will find you, and you will be arrested. This commitment, along with that of our law enforcement partners, is to bring justice to the victims in our community. This arrest is the direct result of tireless police work. Strong partnerships, persistence, and a refusal to give up."

Paris said he wanted to thank Connecticut State Police, the Bridgeport Police Department Auto Theft Task Force, the Stratford Police Department, and the State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance and collaboration throughout the investigation.