INMATE 144740 - BURNS, JONATHAN I

Johnathan Burns was sentenced to death for the brutal murder of Jackie Hartman. Sometime in late 2006, Jackie met Burns at a Diamond Shamrock gas station in the east valley. On January 28, 2007 Jackie agreed to go on a date with Burns and her sister dropped her off at the same gas station. When her sister returned later that evening to pick her up, Jackie never showed. Her disappearance led to a nearly three-week search involving law enforcement, members of her family, and local volunteers. Burns was arrested the day after, when police found Jackie's blood-stained and torn clothing in a dumpster near his home in Mesa. Jackie's body was found on February 19, 2007. She had been shot twice in the head; Burns' semen was found on her body and clothing. An autopsy revealed traces of a date-rape drug in Jackie's system. A jury convicted Burns of 1st degree murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, and misconduct involving weapons and subsequently sentenced him to death.

PROCEEDINGS
Presiding Judge: Hon. Karren L. O'Connor
Prosecutors: Vince Imbordino & Kristin Sherman
Defense Counsel: Joseph Stazzone & Wesley Peterson
Start of Trial: October 25, 2010
Verdict: December 16,2010
Sentencing: February 28, 2011

Aggravating Circumstances
Prior conviction of a serious offense
Especially heinous, cruel or depraved

PUBLISHED OPINIONS

[Direct Appeal pending before the Arizona Supreme Court]