A press conference was held Friday morning at the Saline County Detention Center to confirm the Wednesday arrest of 56 year old Brian Burns in relation to the disappearance of 49 year old Carla Burns.
Thursday afternoon, the Saline County States Attorney’s Office released the formal charges against Burns, which included two charges of first degree murder and a charge of concealing a body after death. Information included in the charges alleged Burns shot his estranged wife and burnt her body.
Saline County Sheriff Keith Brown told those assembled that the charges were released early as information had been unofficially released.
New details released at the press conference were few, as investigators declined comments related to motive, evidence gathered, where the body was discovered, or other elements of the ongoing investigation.
It was revealed that a Search and Rescue K9 unit from Fairview Heights was utilized as part of the search for Carla Burns, and that Brian Burns is still in custody on a $10,000,000 bail, requiring a $1,000,000 cash bond. It was also confirmed that Burns was taken into custody in Harrisburg without incident, although it was not revealed where the arrest took place.
Investigators did say that Carla Burns was last seen in Saline County at approximately 3:30pm on Tuesday, March 8th. More details will be forthcoming in the future.
If you have any information about this case, you are asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff’s Office at 252-8661 or the Marion Police Department at 993-2124.
