James Burton

James Stephon Burton was a decorated veteran, athlete, and beloved family man. A 62-year-old Black man and lifelong resident of El Paso, Texas, he was born on August 27, 1961. After graduating from Bel-Air High School in 1979, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the distinction of honor graduate during basic training and was awarded the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. After his military service, he attended the University of Texas at El Paso and played on the football team. His family remembered him as a loyal son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was survived by his father, two brothers, three children, and two grandsons.

On October 13, 2023, Mr. 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, was identified as the suspect in the deaths of both Mr. Burton and Mr. Carter.

The trial for Mario Velazquez Lechuga began in February 2026. The case is currently in litigation.