Police: Still Working on Solving Mother-Daughter Shootings

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

Police said that 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 student, and her mom each died from one gunshot to the head.

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

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

"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 Amy Freeman Burton and Ainsley's stepfather, remains cooperative in this investigation.

Those who knew the family in the Chesterfield, Mo. area, where they lived prior to coming to Pleasanton six months ago, 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.