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Desmond Burks Pleads Guilty in Detroit Neurosurgeon’s Killing, Agrees to 35–60 Years

The plea ends a planned multi-week trial following a far-reaching investigation spanning multiple states and countries.

Overview

  • Burks entered the plea to second-degree murder during jury selection, halting the trial before it began.
  • He also pleaded guilty to larceny of $20,000 or more, using a computer to commit a crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and felony firearm.
  • The deal calls for 35 to 60 years for murder plus a consecutive five-year term for the firearm offense, with sentencing set for Feb. 20.
  • In court, Burks admitted shooting Dr. Devon Hoover in 2023 and stealing cash, jewelry, credit cards, and Hoover’s Range Rover.
  • Prosecutors detailed an intimate relationship supported by thousands of messages and evidence gathered across five states and three countries, and Burks also admitted manslaughter in the 2024 road-rage death of Reda Saleh.