A former British soldier died in an "unlawful killing" after being "shot whilst unarmed" in Ukraine, a UK coroner has ruled, with an Australian-Algerian dual national named as a suspect.
Daniel Burke, 36, was reported missing in August 2023, after he went to Ukraine to help those wounded in the war with Russia.
Mr Burke's family and a person in Ukraine reported him missing after not hearing from him for a few days.
A body was later found near an abandoned training ground in Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine in September 2023, with DNA testing confirming the remains were that of Mr Burke.
His Majesty's Area Coroner for Manchester, Zak Golembeck, found on Friday, local time, that he died "from multiple gunshot wounds after being shot whilst unarmed".
"[Daniel Burke] died with bravery and valour and was sadly killed by cowardice and dishonour," Coroner Golembeck told the court.
Mr Burke's death is continuing to be treated as a homicide investigation by Ukrainian authorities, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said in a statement on Friday, local time.
Ukrainian authorities had previously named Abdelfetah 'Adam' Nourine, also known as 'Jihadi Adam', an Australian-Algerian dual national, as a suspect in Mr Burke's killing.
The coroner's inquest in Manchester heard that Mr Nourine had already confessed to Mr Burke's death and had been temporarily detained by Ukrainian police before being released.
Multiple British media outlets reported that Mr Nourine had told Ukrainian authorities that Mr Burke's death was an accident, but Coroner Golembeck rejected that explanation.
Authorities in Ukraine are currently unaware of Mr Nourine's whereabouts. The inquest heard efforts are ongoing to locate him.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment.
Daniel Burke was a founder of a volunteer group called the Dark Angels.
The group provided security, military and humanitarian work in conflict zones around the world.
It's understood Mr Nourine was also helping Ukraine in its war against Russia at the time of the incident.
Burke's family release statement
Mr Burke's family released a statement saying that since his death, "our family has and never will be the same".
"Daniel had the most infectious smile and he loved making others laugh, this is how we will remember him and keep his memory alive," the statement released by GMP said.
"Throughout his life, he has assisted those who needed it the most and defended what he believed in, and for this we are so very proud of the person that he became.
"Following the inquest today, we are still yearning for answers.
"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."
