Mothers Question Official Findings in Ashtabula County Children’s Deaths
Two mothers in Ashtabula County, Ohio, are seeking answers regarding the deaths of their children, Jayla Gill and Jesse Burgett, who were found shot in a home six years ago. The coroner ruled Jayla's death a homicide and Jesse's a…
Cleveland Akron, OH, August 13, 2026 —
Two mothers in Ashtabula County, Ohio, are seeking further clarity and answers six years after their children, Jayla Gill and Jesse Burgett, were found shot in a home. The official ruling by the coroner determined Jayla’s death to be a homicide, while Jesse’s was classified as a suicide.
The Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office concluded their investigation by stating that Jesse Burgett was responsible for shooting Jayla Gill before taking his own life. However, this official account is being questioned by the victims’ mothers and a private investigator involved in the case.
A central point of contention raised by the families and their investigator is the absence of autopsies performed on either Jayla Gill or Jesse Burgett. They believe this lack of post-mortem examinations has significantly impeded the thoroughness and clarity of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths.
The mothers are publicly seeking additional information and a deeper understanding of the events that transpired. The decision not to conduct autopsies remains a significant concern for those involved, who feel it limits the potential for a complete and definitive resolution to the case.
Story summarized from the original created by Tara Morgan on www.news5cleveland.com, see more information here.
