A former British paratrooper was unlawfully killed in Ukraine by someone who claimed to be his friend, a coroner has concluded.
Daniel Burke died from multiple gunshot wounds after going missing in the Zaporizhzhia region.
At Manchester City Coroner’s Office, the coroner stated: “Daniel was unlawfully killed by someone who purported to be his friend. He died with bravery and valour but was killed by cowardice and dishonour.”
Burke had established a volunteer unit called the Dark Angels to assist in the fight against Russian forces.
Burke disappeared in August 2023, with his body later discovered miles from the frontline in September the same year.
The 36-year-old had been working with a suspect known as “Jihadi Adam”, who was described as his comrade at the inquest.
CCTV footage showed Burke spending his final day with the suspect before travelling to an abandoned training ground.
The suspect later led police to Burke’s body, claiming he had accidentally killed him during a training exercise.
A forensic post-mortem revealed Burke had been shot at least three times – in his head, lower neck and central chest.
In a statement read out by Greater Manchester Police, Burke’s family said they are “still yearning for answers” about what happened to him.
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Daniel Burke was found in September miles from the frontline
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“As a family, we cannot do this alone,” they said.
“We are hopeful that the Ukraine authorities will progress the investigation into Daniel’s death, and we hope one day we will be able to say that we have justice for Daniel.”
The family shared a touching tribute to Burke’s memory, saying: “Daniel had the most infectious smile and he loved making others laugh.
“This is how we will remember him and keep his memory alive.”
Daniel Burke
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Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes offered his condolences to Burke’s family and close friends.
“We hope that today’s ruling of unlawful killing goes some way in reassuring Daniel’s family and loved ones that this wasn’t an accident,” he said.
Hughes emphasised that “Daniel was killed and his family deserve answers”.
Ballistics investigations conducted in Ukraine suggested it was impossible to accidentally fire the weapon, an AKS74U, contradicting the suspect’s claims of an accidental shooting during training.
The suspect had provided multiple versions of events during police interviews, initially claiming he fired two shots – one accidentally during a training exercise.
Prior to his death in Ukraine, Burke had previously travelled to Syria to fight against Islamic State.
His decision to go to Syria was reportedly influenced by being “heavily affected” by the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017, which claimed 22 lives.
Detective Sergeant Danielle Bullivant told the inquest that Burke’s Dark Angels company comprised military personnel who worked to evacuate the injured from the frontline.
On August 11, Burke had spoken to his family in the morning and planned to contact them later that day via Facetime, but the call never took place.
