On October 2, 2022, 18-year-old Kaaree Hipsher Burton was found dead in a hallway of the Holiday Inn Express in Fairfield, Ohio. The Butler County Coroner’s Office ruled his death a homicide from a gunshot wound.

Investigators say Burton was shot after an encounter with a man who was staying at the hotel with his brother and nephew. The man reported Burton — described as wearing a red ski mask and black jacket — displayed a handgun and demanded they get on the floor. The man says he reached for his own firearm and shot Burton in the torso, then fled and contacted police, claiming self-defense.

Anyone who was at the Holiday Inn Express the morning of October 2, 2022, or who has information about this incident is asked to contact Fairfield police.