Jon Otis Burnett age 64 of Orangeville Township, was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper Friday in the Barry County Trial Court, Circuit Division. On August 12, 2020, Burnett was convicted of 34 charges, including 2 counts of First Degree Murder. Below is a summary of his convictions and sentences:
Count 1: First Degree Premeditated Murder, victim Gary Peake: Mandatory life in prison without parole
Count 2: Felony Firearm: mandatory 2 years in prison, to be served prior to the mandatory life sentences.
Count 3: First Degree Premeditated and Felony Murder, victim Bryce DeGood: Mandatory Life in Prison without parole
Counts 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 34 Felony firearm: Mandatory 2 years in prison consecutive to the predicate felonies, but concurrent to the rest of the Felony Firearm convictions
Count 7 Assault with Intent to Murder, victim Joseph Powell: 17.5-50 years in prison
Counts 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29 Felonious Assault: 2.5-4 years in prison
Counts 31 and 32 Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer: 16-24 months in prison
Count 33 Unlawful Imprisonment, victim is Bryce DeGood: 86 months to 15 years in prison.
Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt said the sentencing, like the trial process in this case, was emotional and difficult for the victims whose lives are forever changed by the senseless and violent acts committed by Mr. Burnett on July 21, 2019. Mr. Burnett without mercy killed Gary Peake, his longtime friend, and Bryce DeGood, a young man working in Burnett’s neighborhood. He then either shot at, held a gun on, or fired rounds in the air to frighten off and discourage all of the brave citizens who stopped to help Bryce DeGood as he lay on the side of Lewis Road. There is no logical explanation for this tragedy. It is our opinion that Mr. Burnett was motivated by anger and vengeance when he committed these selfish violent acts. There is no place in society for Mr. Burnett, we are grateful that he will spend the rest of his life in prison.