'I'm angry and I want redemption': father of man found dead on apartment sidewalk

John Burton, 35, fatally shot Jan. 29 in 7800 block of Woodchase Drive

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio police and Crime Stoppers are seeking the individuals responsible for the slaying of John Ryan Burton, 35, who was found dead early Tuesday morning on an apartment sidewalk. 

"It's been a whirlwind. Where I am today, I'm not really sure, and I'm not sure where I'll be six months from now. We'll just take it not one day at a time, but one breath at time," said Roger Burton, John Burton's father.

According to police, officers responded to a call for shots fired around 4:30 a.m. Jan. 29 at an apartment complex in the 7800 block of Woodchase Drive.

Roger Burton said his son was inside his apartment when he was alerted by something and went outside to check it out.

"(John) dashed down to whatever the situation was that drew him down. He confronted at least two, possibly three, individuals," Roger Burton said.

John Burton was found shot to death.

"That was the last breath that my son took. I'm angry and I want redemption, but I want it done the right way for him and for the community," Roger Burton said.

Police don't have much information to go on, and no arrests have been made in the case so far.

Anyone with any knowledge of the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (210) 224-STOP. Tips can also be texted to CRIMES (274637) or by visiting the Crime Stoppers website.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest.


About the Authors:

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

Reporter, proud Houstonian, U of H alumni, and lover of all the hometown sport teams.