Homicide Report > Charles Burns III, 46 [Updated]
Charles Burns III, 46 [Updated]
Died Aug. 12, 2010
Charles Burns III, a 46-year-old white man, was shot to death Thursday, Aug. 12, in the 500 block of West Old Field Street in Lancaster, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Burns got into an altercation with his wife, Shannon Burns, about 3:25 p.m., said sheriff's homicide Det. Frank Salerno, who is handling the investigation.
At some point in the fight, investigators said Shannon Burns, a 41-year-old white woman, armed herself with a gun. Authorities believe that her husband was shot while trying to take the weapon away from her.
No one else was hurt when the gun discharged, Salerno said.
Charles Burns was taken to a local hospital where he died at 4:03 p.m., according to coroner's records.
Lancaster sheriff’s deputies arrested Shannon Burns the day of the shooting on suspicion of murder.
She is being held at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 30 at the M.D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Court.
[Updated Jan. 27, 11:12 a.m.: According to the Los Angeles county district attorney's office, Shannon Burns received a negotiated plea deal and was charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter in connection with Charles Burns' death.
She pleaded no contest and was sentenced to three years state prison, which was suspended to 176 days in jail.
Additionally, she was ordered to serve 120 days community service, attend one year of psychological counseling and go to an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program.
With time served, Shannon Burns was released from jail on Dec. 7.]
— Sarah Ardalani
- Neighborhood: Lancaster
- Age: 46
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Thursday
- Agency: LASD Lancaster
- Race/Ethnicity: White
- Circumstance: Domestic violence
14 reader comments about Charles Burns III
looks like self-defense.
Aug. 20, 2010 at 7:33 a.m.
no way she killed the guy she need to stay in jail forever, poor guy lost his life she deservse life in prison.
Aug. 20, 2010 at 4:17 p.m.
poor guy Sandy. give me a break. How do you know what went on?
Aug. 21, 2010 at 4:12 p.m.
ohh myy!! that is so tragic gosh u just never know when its going to b your last day alive a simple argument could lead to death!!
Aug. 21, 2010 at 6:31 p.m.
Jackie,
There is no such thing as a simple argument. One thing leads to another and before you know it someone is regretting what was said or done.
Aug. 21, 2010 at 10:11 p.m.
whatever happened it's still murder. This woman deserves the death penalty as punishment.
Aug. 22, 2010 at 8:28 a.m.
this woman picked up a gun right there she sealed her faith she deserves what is coming for her that is life in jail
Aug. 24, 2010 at 7:21 a.m.
All these ladies talk'n about death penalty for this lady has anyone even thought maybe she felt threatened and had to try to defend herself and maybe the "victim" figured she wouldn't do anything walked up to her and tried to take the gun and it went off...I mean that is one way of explaining the story.
Aug. 24, 2010 at 4:51 p.m.
no way this lady picked up a gun once she picked up that gun it is her call, she shot him that is the end of the story she is a killer.
Aug. 26, 2010 at 11:21 p.m.
The hubby has been in and out of prison and he was recently released, again. I knew her and like her, it is sad and I hope her kids are ok after this.
Sept. 6, 2010 at 2:57 p.m.
I knew Shannon when we were kids..... I know she has a good heart, and couldn't have done it in malice..... Many prayers to her and her family
Dec. 8, 2010 at 7:58 p.m.
Interesting that all the comments are about Shannon Burns and no condolences or concern for Charles Burns. I wonder if there is a good reason for that.
Dec. 9, 2010 at 9:45 a.m.
FYI, a little followup.... Shannon was released a couple of days ago according to the LASD.org website. She was released on probation. Most of the comments posted here were pretty negative, and jumped to rash conclusions. Truly guilty people dont get released on probation, hopefully the negative posters will realize that not everything is as it seems, and none of us have the right to judge, especially not having all of the facts.
Dec. 9, 2010 at 6:32 p.m.
I met Chip a year ago when we became room mates. We lived together for 4 months and in that time we became good friends. Chip was just a really nice and caring person, and i will miss my friend very much. chip and Shannons love for each other was unmistakeable. This was a tragic accident and nothing more.
Dec. 29, 2010 at 11:41 a.m.
Share a memory or thought about Charles Burns III