Burns first hearing set for Thursday

<span>Coroner's, autopsy reports may not be part of trial</span>

Speculation regarding the death of Carla Burns has run throughout the case against her estranged husband Brian Burns.

Brian Burns is facing three charges: two counts of first degree murder, alleging that he shot and killed Burns. The third charge - concealment of a body - accuses Burns of burning the remains of His wife's body and spreading the ashes.

Saline County Coroner Jerry Watson would not comment on the state of Burns' remains, or if a coroner's report had been filed with prosecutors.

Assistant State's Attorney Jayson Clark said on Thursday that due to the charge of concealment of a body, a report has not been obtained by the office of the State's Attorney.

While the charges detail that the remains of Carla Burns have been burned, Clark stated that The coroner could still play a role in the case against Brian Burns.

"It will depend on what comes forward," Clark said.

Burns' bail has been set at $10 million, or a $1 million cash bond.

The case against Brian Burns is ongoing. Burns will make his next court appearance at 1 p.m. on Thursday.

<span>Prosecution offers look into case</span>

The next step in the case against Brian Burns in the death of his estranged wife, Carla, will take place Thursday.

Burns, 56, along with his defense, will appear in court in front of Judge Walden Morris on Thursday for a preliminary hearing.

According to Saline County State's Attorney Jayson Clark, in a preliminary hearing, the state must present enough evidence to the judge to prove probable cause to move forward.

The state must meet the burden of proof, defined as "The obligation to prove one's assertion," and if the state fails to do so, the judge can dismiss the charges against the defendant.

If Judge Morris believes the state has met its burden of proof, the case against Burns will proceed with a final pre-trial hearing to take care of any outstanding issues, such as motions.

Clark added the Burns is being represented by an attorney.

Carla Burns, 49, was last seen in Saline County on Tuesday, March 8. She was reported missing by friends and family two days later. Six days later, Brian Burns was arrested and charged with her death.

The two had been estranged since December 2014, when Carla Burns filed for divorce in Hamilton County. The case between the two was moved to Saline County when they moved to Harrisburg. Their divorce proceedings were meant to continue with a court appearance on March 10 - the day Burns was reported missing.

Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact either the Marion Police Department at 993-2124 or the Saline County Sheriff's Office at 252-8661.