Trial Scheduled for Man Accused of Kidnapping and Murder

Prosecutors have announced that a trial for a Mesa man that has been accused of sexually assaulting, kidnapping and murdering a woman from Gilbert is scheduled to begin in October.

Maricopa County prosecutors report that jury selection is slated for October 7^th for 29-year-old Jonathan Ian Burns.  He has been charged with first-degree murder, sexual assault, kidnapping and weapons misconduct in the case involving the death and disappearance of Jacqueline Hartman.  If he is convicted, Burns may be sentenced with the death penalty.

According to prosecutors, 19-year-old Hartman went on her first date with Burns on January 28, 2007.  The next day, police officers arrested Burns after finding Hartman's bullet ridden and torn clothing near a trash container by Burns' residence.

Police report that Burns admitted to having sex with Hartman, but said he dropped her off afterward so she could meet up with her family.  Hartman's body was found in February 2007 in the desert.

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