A Phoenix jury will return Monday to continue deliberating the penalty phase for a Mesa man convicted in the 2007 rape and murder of a Gilbert woman.
Jurors considering the fate of Johnathan Ian Burns informed the judge Thursday afternoon that they had reached an impasse on whether Burns should get the death sentence. The Arizona Republic says no mistrial was declared.
Burns was convicted in December of raping and killing 19-year-old Jacquelan "Jackie" Hartman on their first date in late January 2007 and leaving her body in the desert.
Burns was found guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping, sexual assault and misconduct involving weapons. Jurors have since heard from prosecutors and defense attorneys on whether Burns should get the death penalty.











Geepers posted at 11:38 am on Fri, Feb 25, 2011.
Come on folks, this is not a tough decision. He deserves nothing but a needle.
cactusjumper posted at 4:40 pm on Fri, Feb 25, 2011.
I don't want my tax money babysitting this parasite so give him a dirt nap cocktail.[smile]
livinginparadise posted at 6:46 pm on Fri, Feb 25, 2011.
Please, please, please kill this a-hole. It's not about deterring future crime or saving taxpayer money. It's about getting what he deserves within the law. Real justice for this d-bag would not be as easy as the needle. Hand down the sentence & stop his heart beating as soon as possible please!