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Norman man found in burning house was shot to death, medical examiner says

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NORMAN — A man found inside a burning house Wednesday died of a gunshot wound, the state medical examiner said Thursday.

The death of Patrick D. Burton, 51, has been ruled a homicide. The medical examiner also officially confirmed Burton's identity following an autopsy, although neighbors and family friends said on Wednesday they believed the body to be his.

Burton had thermal burns on his body when he was discovered on the floor near a bedroom at 619 Villa Drive. Norman police say they now believe the fire was set to cover the killing.

Police are looking for Burton's pickup, which is missing. Investigators are asking the public's help in finding the truck, a white 2004 extended cab Chevrolet with the tag number 088AXI.

The pickup has white, louvered taillight covers, and white, louvered covers over the rear side windows. A NASCAR license plate is on the front bumper, and a cowbell hangs from the rear bumper. The truck has a hard, white bed cover.

Neighbors said Burton lived at the residence with his mother, Tina Burton, who was in Tennessee visiting relatives when her son died. A family friend said Patrick Burton was off work because of an injury and had been staying home recuperating.

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