Child testifies that he saw Brent Burke shoot 'Momma Tracy'

The double murder trial of U.S. Army Sgt. Brent Burke opened Monday morning with testimony from his son that he saw his father kill Tracy Burke.

On the stand wearing a vest, white shirt and a tie, Burke's son, Ian, said on the night of the shooting in Rineyville in September 2007, he was in bed, woke up and "Brent shot Momma Tracy.''

The child was 4 at the time of the shooting death of Tracy Burke and her former mother-in-law, Karen Comer at Comer's home.

This is the fourth attempt to try the case. Two ended in mistrial because witnesses were unavailable. Last year, the murder case went to the jury but it did not reach a unanimous verdict.

Social workers also testified Monday about similar statements Ian made shortly after authorities became aware of the shooting deaths. Jurors also heard a recording of the 911 call made by Tracy Burke's older son, Matthew, who was 9 at the time.

The first day of testimony in Hardin Circuit Court concluded with Trooper Dennis Oldham describing his role in the investigation and a KSP evidence custodian reviewing documents about the handling and transfer of items collected at the crime scene.

The trial is expected to last for about three weeks. Because local courts conduct motion day each Tuesday, testimony will resume at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Justice Center.

Ben Sheroan can be reached at bsheroan@thenewsenterprise.com or (270) 505-1764.