HARRISBURG — A 56-year-old Harrisburg physician charged with first-degree murder in connection with the disappearance of his 49-year-old estranged wife, reportedly told an investigator that he killed her and had the money to leave the country and never be found.

Brian Burns (Source: SCSO)
Brian Burns
(Source: SCSO)

According to the Southern Illinoisan, the investigator testified Thursday in a hearing to address a defense motion seeking to reduce Dr. Brian T. Burns’ bail from $1 million cash to $50,000. The investigator also testified that the defendant told her he knew where he could go to not face extradition, and had discussed leaving for Mississippi or New Orleans during one interview with police.

Burns is accused of killing his estranged wife Carla Burns and then burning her body in attempt to conceal the murder.

The motion to reduce bail was denied, with Judge Walden Morris citing the violent nature of the alleged crime along with the defendant’s flight risk.

Brian Burns was arrested after an investigation into the disappearance of nursing instructor Carla Burns of Marion. He’s charged in Saline County Court with two counts first-degree murder and one count Class 3 felony concealment of a homicidal death, for allegedly shooting Carla Burns and burning her body and scattering the ashes.

Carla Burns was reported missing on March 10 after a scheduled motion hearing in divorce proceedings filed by Carla Burns against Brian Burns. She was last seen March 8, in Marion.

An investigation into her disappearance was launched by the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department, Illinois State Police, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Saline County Coroner’s Office, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, as well as other agencies.

Burns earlier waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and is now tentatively scheduled for a July 6 trial.