Bryan Patrick Burns, a 41-year-old man from Rootstown, Ohio, tragically died on April 20, 2016. He was born on September 23, 1974, in Cleveland, Ohio, and was a graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School in Kent, Ohio. Burns earned his Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the University of Akron and was a dedicated member of Faith Lutheran Church in Kent. He was known for his devotion to the Bible and his volunteer work at Haven of Rest Ministries in Akron.
The circumstances surrounding Burns' death were grim. On the morning of April 20, 2016, 28-year-old Jabari D. McKee from Akron, Ohio, broke into Burns' home on Smith Avenue in Rootstown. McKee shot Burns once in the head with a 9mm handgun, then set the house on fire and fled in Burns' 2001 Ford Mustang. Detectives later found Burns' bank cards and laptop computer in McKee's possession. McKee admitted to detectives that he and Burns often smoked methamphetamine together.
Following a trial, McKee was found guilty of aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated arson, grand theft auto, and multiple counts of theft. He faced a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The court proceedings revealed the extent of McKee's crimes, including the theft of Burns' property and the arson that followed the murder.
The case against McKee was built on both physical evidence and his own statements to the police. Despite the defense's argument that the evidence was circumstantial, the court found McKee guilty on all charges. The sentencing was scheduled to take place after a pre-sentence investigation.
Burns' death was a tragic loss for his family and community. He is remembered fondly by those who knew him, and his legacy lives on through the memories of his loved ones and the impact he made through his volunteer work and faith.
