Suspect arrested in slaying of Brandon Sample of Warren
WARREN — Police have made a quick arrest in the Brandon Sample murder investigation, charging a Bristolville man Tuesday and arresting him later that night.
Austin T. Burke, 18, of Miller South Road, was arrested late Tuesday in connection with the robbery of a Cortland pizza shop. He was booked into the Trumbull County jail early today.
Burke will be arraigned Thursday morning in Newton Falls Municipal Court in Sample’s death.
The county coroner’s office on Tuesday ruled that Sample, 22, of Garfield Drive Northeast, died of a gunshot wound to the head.
His death was ruled a homicide.
According to a police report, Cortland police investigated the robbery Tuesday night of the Pizza Joe’s restaurant on West Main Street by a man with a gun wearing a mask who fled on foot.
Area police departments, including the Warren Police Department, assisted in the search for the man, later identified as Burke.
A Warren police officer and his canine officer found the suspect. The location where the arrest took place was not available.
Sample’s body was found in a rural area of Bristol Township early last Thursday.