Charles Burns III, 46

Aug. 16, 2010, 9:11 a.m.

Charles Burns III, a 46-year-old white man, was shot to death Thursday, Aug. 12, in the 500 block of West Old Field Street in Lancaster, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Burns got into an altercation with his wife, Shannon Burns, about 3:25 p.m., said sheriff's homicide Det. Frank Salerno, who is handling the investigation.

At some point in the fight, investigators said Shannon Burns, a 41-year-old white woman, armed herself with a gun. Authorities believe that her husband was shot while trying to take the weapon away from her.

No one else was hurt when the gun discharged, Salerno said.

Charles Burns was taken to a local hospital where he died at 4:03 p.m., according to coroner's records.

Lancaster sheriff’s deputies arrested Shannon Burns the day of the shooting on suspicion of murder.

She is being held at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 30 at the M.D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Court.

[Updated Jan. 27, 11:12 a.m.: According to the Los Angeles county district attorney's office, Shannon Burns received a negotiated plea deal and was charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter in connection with Charles Burns' death.

She pleaded no contest and was sentenced to three years state prison, which was suspended to 176 days in jail.

Additionally, she was ordered to serve 120 days community service, attend one year of psychological counseling and go to an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program.

With time served, Shannon Burns was released from jail on Dec. 7.]

-- Sarah Ardalani

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20 reader comments

My name is Annette. Chip and I married in year of 91.we were married for 10 years. We had an amazing son.I still remember when chip and I found out we were pregnant. We met and continue a marriage and than a friendship until the very day his life was taken.chip was a one of kind guy.but I see him in his beautiful children, they all share similar interests. He did struggle but all of the years we always were best friends. He shared his life with me.now years have past im trying still understand why she took his life .I delt with her jealousy, and lies first hand.one christmas my son was not aloud to see his father, because she was so jealous. She felt he spent to much time with his son when he went over there.I was told I couldn't talk to chip only her because of the jealousy. What kind of woman is jealous over his children. Again how could you be jealous. The love is completely different with a spouse or there child.we co-parented until the day he went to heaven.The only peice I have is knowing he is with God and family. But my son will always be empty.Missing a hugh part of his life.I have seen comments that were brutal about chip.I ask everyone again to understand how sick she was.my son was told his father had past over the phone while we were at a car wash.the devastation and despair was almost to much to handle. No one in her family thought maybe we should make sure he was safe and secure before we tell him.He was a young man at the age of 17 that was graduating high school in a few month.Her family was sick as she was.God I know you have a special place in heaven for chip.we will remember and love him until we meet again.

— Annette Burns Aug. 13, 2016 at 11:58 a.m.

I am Chips wife and still his wife.. I have had the last 3 years in a lot of pain over this for what both families have gone through but most important CHIP,this loving and caring man meant the world to me.. I have been suffering and will for the rest of my life so that is my death penalty .. We were inseparable, we never left the house without a kiss,we were always holding hands,we always look into each others eyes,we always told each other we loved them and so much more . We were so bonded that I knew, and so do he, that our first dance on our first date that no one else was in the room. We were together for 8 yrs, longer than he was with his a ex wives and he just couldn't stay sober all those years and I did to try to keep some foundation in this beautiful married ,he was everything I wanted in a man and I was his angel that God brought him HE would say.. I loved this man more than life... There is more to this story but he was not mean to me at all,never even called me out of my name we barely even arued and that was over his drinking and drugs so I will pray for those who misjudge for we don't know what is really going on.. Rest in Peace Chippy

— shannon Sept. 5, 2013 at 1:47 p.m.

The Homicide Report

Charles Burns III, 46

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20 reader comments