Dr. Brian Burns, in custody at the SCDC
SALINE CO., Ill. - Formal charges have been filed in the case of a doctor accused of killing his estranged wife.
Dr. Brian Burns, 56, of the Mitchellsville area of Saline County, was formally charged today with:
First Degree Murder, in that on or about March 8, 2016, he shot Carla Burns, knowing said act would cause the death of Mrs. Burns, thereby causing her death;
First Degree Murder, in that on the same day and under the same act (shooting Carla Burns), knowing such act created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm to Carla, said act caused her death; and
Concealment of a Homicidal Death, in that with knowledge she'd died by homicidal means, he knowingly concealed her death by burning her body and spreading the ashes.
Dr. Burns is being held on a million-dollar bail, meaning he must post $100,000 to secure his release.
A press conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. tomorrow; we'll be there and will provide video.