In a tragic and violent series of events in Titus County, Texas, 50-year-old Johnny Burleson, a White male, was killed on March 8, 2017. His death was part of a crime spree initiated by his cousin, 29-year-old Michael Laplace, who, according to the sheriff, was likely high on drugs at the time. The deadly chain of events began the day before Burleson's death, when Laplace went to his grandfather's house with the intention of robbing him.
The situation escalated at the grandfather's home where Laplace tied up his grandmother and demanded her banking information. When his 80-year-old grandfather, Sylvester Harnden Jr., returned and refused to cooperate, Laplace strangled him to death. Following this heinous act, Laplace, accompanied by his girlfriend and accomplice, Cheyenne Bigelow, proceeded to his cousins' home in Cookville, setting the stage for further violence that would end more lives.
Early on the morning of March 8, Laplace attempted to kidnap another cousin, Jerry Burleson. However, Jerry managed to break free, leading to a gunfight. In the ensuing exchange of fire, both Johnny Burleson and the instigator, Michael Laplace, were killed. Johnny Burleson was reportedly shot at least five times and also stabbed. Jerry Burleson was injured in the confrontation but survived after undergoing surgery and was reported to be in stable condition.
In the aftermath of the deadly family tragedy, authorities arrested Laplace's girlfriend, Cheyenne Bigelow. She was subsequently charged with two counts of murder, aggravated robbery, and drug possession for her role in the violent crime spree that left three family members, including Johnny Burleson, dead.
