ACTION ALERT - Justice for Kevin Burns
Burns has been on death row for 28 years for a crime he says he didn't commit
This week, Felony Murder Elimination Project became aware of the devastating case and incredible life of Kevin Burns, who is currently serving the Death Penalty in the state of Tennessee.
Kevin was arrested in 1992 for his presence in a felony murder case. Burns said he thought he was going to a recording studio that day with his friends Derrick Garrin, Carlito Adams, Kevin Shaw and two others to celebrate his birthday. What Burns didn’t know at the time was that his friend, Adams, had gotten into a fight with someone at a pick-up basketball game a few days earlier and wanted to fight. The car Burns was in made a detour and ended up in a Memphis neighborhood. The men parked, got out of the car, and approached four men in another parked car in a driveway. The men in the car were robbed, then shots were fired. Burns said he never actually shot the gun, because as soon as he heard the gunshots, he said he crouched on the ground until it was over.
During his trial, the prosecution never had to prove that he actually directly participated in a murder, yet he is now serving a death penalty sentence. The witness’ description of the shooter conflicts with Burns' actual appearance, and there are significant discrepancies regarding the guns involved in the murders, according to Richard Tennent, Burns’ lawyer.
Derrick Garrin and Carlito Adams were both sentenced to life in prison for the murders of Dawson and Johnson. Both men have since been released on parole. Kevin Shaw surrendered to police some of the guns that he gave out the day of the shooting to avoid prosecution. One of those guns was handled by Burns.
Burns is the only one involved in the incident who is still in prison and sentenced to death. During his 28 years on death row, Burns became an ordained minister and has built a church on death row.
Kevin's fate lies entirely in the hands of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who has the power to commute his sentence. We encourage you to watch the ABC News feature about Burns' case, tweet/post to your social circles about Burns' case, and follow Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty on Twitter and Facebook.
