Infant Zaraz Walker (about 6-7 months old) was reported missing in February 2022 after her mother, Kimberlee Burton, was arrested for shoplifting and refused to tell police where her children were. Her young siblings were found home alone, cold and hungry, but the infant could not be located. The mother first claimed the infant never existed, then made statements that the infant had died; baby items were found in the home and a crib had reportedly been placed in a dumpster. The infant's body was never found and she is presumed dead. The manner and cause of death were ruled undetermined. The mother, diagnosed with schizophrenic spectrum illness and PTSD, was charged with concealment of a death and child endangerment and was later found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
The fatality report (OIG2023-55.pdf) states the infant's '5-year-old and 7-year-old siblings were found home alone' and that DCFS 'indicated the mother for inadequate supervision.' The WGLT article also reports 'two children ages 5 and 6 were home alone at the time.'
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
While no inflicted injury on the deceased infant is documented, the fatality report (OIG2023-55.pdf) describes the mother physically assaulting the infant's 10-year-old sister, who 'had scratches on her nose, cheek, arms, and hands' and stated her mother hit her; DCFS 'indicated the mother for cuts, bruises, welts, abrasions, and oral injuries by abuse.'
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
The mother, Kimberlee Burton, was involved; the fatality report (OIG2023-55.pdf) states 'The mother was charged with concealing a death and endangering the life of a child' and '[t]he mother later made statements that the infant had died.'
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
The fatality report (OIG2023-55.pdf) documents multiple prior DCFS investigations, including a May 2021 report and a July 2021 investigation that was 'unfounded' in October 2021, and notes a 'pending child protection investigation at time of child's death; unfounded child protection investigation within one year of child's death.'
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
The fatality report (OIG2023-55.pdf) states 'The mother was charged with concealing a death and endangering the life of a child.' The WGLT article confirms 'Kimberlee Burton, 29, of Bloomington, is being charged with concealment of a death.'
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
The fatality report (OIG2023-55.pdf) describes the family living in a motel in May 2021, where 'police had responded to a motel to conduct a well-being check' and the mother 'allowed the 10-year-old to stay at the motel.' This indicates transient/temporary shelter living, though the infant's death location is unknown.
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
The mother's mental health is repeatedly referenced. The fatality report (OIG2023-55.pdf) notes concerns about 'mother's mental health' and that she 'appeared confused, suspicious, and uncooperative' and 'hostile and paranoid.' The 25newsnow article states two psychiatrists 'determined Burton suffered from schizophrenic spectrum illness' and PTSD, and she was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Notable Details
The case has notable legal and systemic features: the infant's body was never found and she is presumed dead (25newsnow and WGLT). The mother was 'found not guilty by reason of insanity' and ordered into DHS in-patient custody for up to six years (25newsnow). Additionally, a July 2021 investigation was unfounded while a prior investigation remained pending, and the CPI 'was subsequently unable to locate the mother' before the infant's disappearance (OIG2023-55.pdf), highlighting potential child protection oversight gaps.
These fields were populated by an AI model and may contain inaccuracies. Review the links and PDFs provided for verification before citing. Contact [email protected] to report any inaccuracies where corrections are needed.