In the early hours of November 11, 2017, the life of 25-year-old Bryan Terrance-Jalon Burns was unexpectedly cut short. Burns was the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred along Interstate 10, south of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The incident, which unfolded near Elliott Road, would remain a mystery for a time, leaving a void in the lives of his family and friends who remembered him for his optimistic outlook and love for music and sports.
The investigation into Bryan's
death eventually led law enforcement to a former University of Arizona football player, DaVonte' Neal. At the time of his indictment, Neal was working as an assistant football coach at Idaho State University, having previously coached at Higley High School in Gilbert. The motive for the killing appeared to stem from jealousy, as court records indicated that Neal may have been upset that Burns was in a relationship with the mother of his daughter.
After a lengthy legal process, the case saw a significant development in September 2024, nearly seven years after Bryan's death. DaVonte' Neal pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder. In October 2024, Neal was scheduled to be sentenced for his role in the shooting death of Bryan Burns. According to the terms of his plea agreement, he faced a potential prison sentence of 20 to 25 years.
