A 26-year-old man from Blaine has been charged with illegally purchasing at least 41 guns that are connected to criminal activities in the Twin Cities, including the tragic murders of 9-year-old Trinity Ottoson-Smith and 6-year-old Aniya Allen. Investigators allege that William Burton misrepresented himself while acquiring these firearms, certifying they were for his own use despite selling them to others. Over a nine-month period from late 2019 to mid-2020, several of these guns were later recovered and tied to serious crimes, including homicides.
The complaint reveals disturbing details about the connection of Burton’s firearms to specific violent acts. One gun was linked to the murder of Trinity Ottoson-Smith, who died after being shot while celebrating a birthday. Another firearm was found at a location tied to the unsolved shooting of Aniya Allen, who was killed by a stray bullet while in a car with her mother. Facing multiple charges including conspiracy and making false statements during firearm purchases, Burton’s case raises critical questions about gun ownership and its implications for public safety.
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