James Stephon Burton was a 62-year-old Black man and lifelong El Paso resident, born August 27, 1961. A decorated Marine Corps veteran and Bel-Air High School graduate of 1979, he earned honor graduate status in basic training and received the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. After his service he attended the University of Texas at El Paso and played on the football team. He is survived by his father, two brothers, three children, and two grandsons.

On October 13, 2023, Burton was killed in his El Paso neighborhood. A second neighbor, 54-year-old Joseph Carter, was also killed in the same incident. A neighbor, Mario Velazquez Lechuga, has been identified as the suspect in both deaths and his trial began in February 2026; the case remains in litigation.

If anyone knew James Burton, his family, or either of the neighbors involved and can share information about that night or the neighborhood, please come forward.