EDWARDS, MO – A domestic violence incident in Arrowhead Estates turned fatal when a 15-year-old boy shot his father while defending his mother from a physical assault. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident occurred on the night of June 4, 2024.

At approximately 10:42 PM, Kathleen “Dawn” Burr, 49, called 911 to report that her husband, Nicholas Burr Sr., 41, had been shot by their juvenile son during an altercation. Nicholas Burr Sr. was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the initial investigation, the altercation escalated when Nicholas Burr Sr. physically assaulted Kathleen. During the assault, their son intervened and shot his father in an attempt to protect his mother. The evidence collected so far, including Kathleen’s injuries and her statements, supports claims of self-defense under Missouri Revised Statute 563.031.

Sheriff’s deputies have yet to interview the juvenile due to the complexities of juvenile law, but preliminary findings align with a scenario of self-defense or defense of another. Both Kathleen Burr and her son were transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluations and were treated and released.

“This is an ongoing investigation with a massive amount of evidence to be processed,” the Benton County Sheriff’s Office stated. “We have not had an opportunity to interview the juvenile, but preliminary investigations suggest that self-defense or defense of another was warranted.”

The juvenile is not in custody at this time, and the investigation continues as authorities work to gather all necessary information and perspectives on the incident.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.