Police Say Lab Tests Key In Parkway Grad Shooting Deaths

Police are waiting for lab results in the shooting deaths of Parkway schools graduate Amy Freeman Burton, 37, and her 13-year-old daughter, Ainsley.

The two had just moved from the Chesterfield area six months earlier, to join Freeman Burton's husband.                                               

Police said 13-year-old Ainsley Freeman most likely did not shoot herself, but they are still waiting for evidence analysts to determine whether it was a murder-suicide situation or a double homicide.

Initial autopsy results show that Ainsley, a former Parkway School District student, and her mom, each died from one gunshot wound to the head.

It is still unclear whether Freeman Burton's wound was self-inflicted, but that is not being ruled out, police Lt. Jeff Bretzing said.

"Until we get those lab results, we won't have further information," Bretzing said.

"We're hoping they will confirm whether there was a suicide involved or if they will disprove that theory, in which case we would continue investigating."

The bullets recovered are consistent with those found in the handgun that was located near the victims.

Police say Christopher Burton, the 28-year-old husband of Freeman Burton and Ainsley's stepfather, remains cooperative in this investigation.

Those who knew the family in the Chesterfield area say they can't imagine any scenario that makes sense — especially a murder-suicide.

A reader whose daughter was friends with Ainsley told Patch that her family is "really upset by the idea that Amy could have shot Ainsley."

For background on this case:

To reach Editor Tanya Rose, email tanya.rose@patch.com.

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