PHILADELPHIA (June 16, 2022) — A Philadelphia jury convicted Daryl Burns (DOB 7/11/1993) of murder for the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Richard Jackson on the evening of July 15, 2018, in the city’s West Passyunk section. Burns was found guilty of First Degree Murder, illegal firearm possession, and related charges late last month.According to eyewitnesses who were present at a family barbecue on the 1500 block of South Bambrey Street shortly before the murder, Jackson got into an argument with the defendant’s brother, leading to a physical altercation with Daryl Burns. Burns and his brother were subsequently asked to leave the barbecue. Jackson told one of the witnesses that he was going home to take a shower and calm down.Later that evening, another cooperating eyewitness observed Burns walk up to Jackson’s residence located on the 2000 block of Norwood Street. Burns banged on the door and shot Jackson point-blank in the chest as Jackson opened the door. Burns calmly returned the handgun to the waistband of his pants and left the area. Police were called to the scene and transported Jackson to Penn Presbyterian Hospital where he was pronounced shortly thereafter.
Investigators used surveillance footage obtained from several locations, in conjunction with eyewitness accounts, to identify Burns on the block where the crime occurred. Crucially, these eyewitnesses cooperated with Philadelphia police from the very beginning of the investigation through to the conclusion of the jury trial.“I’m grateful to Assistant District Attorney Robert Wainwright and the Philadelphia Police Department for their diligence in this case and commitment to bringing Richard Jackson’s killer to justice,” said District Attorney Larry Krasner. “I also want to thank the eyewitnesses who played a critically important role in helping investigators close this case. Mr. Jackson’s tragic case is a clear-cut example of why cooperating eyewitnesses can make a huge difference in these serious matters.”“It was an absolute honor to try this case and secure justice for Mr. Jackson’s loved ones,” said ADA Robert Wainwright. “I also commend the witnesses involved in this case—including Mr. Jackson’s longtime partner, Vitia Wilson, who bravely testified—without whom justice would have been that much harder to achieve. Our office needs the public to know that resources are available to ensure your safety, and we urge you to come forward with any information that can assist law enforcement in solving violent crimes. We cannot do this alone.”
“Richard was a great brother, uncle, and friend,” said Sheresse Jackson. “He was the kind of person that if someone needed a shirt, he would take the one off his back and give it to them. I truly miss my brother, but I am also very, very at ease that justice was done here.”Burns will be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole before the Hon. Diana L. Anhalt in August.
CONTACT:Dustin Slaughter, 215-686-8713, [email protected]
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