SPOKANE, Wash. — The driver suspected of killing 78-year-old Janet Mann in a hit-and-run crash in downtown Spokane last week has been arrested and made his first court appearance Thursday.
According to the Spokane Police Department, officers took 42-year-old Gary F. Burns into custody for charges related to a deadly hit-and-run near Browne and Main in downtown Spokane.
Burns, appearing from jail via video conference, hung his head and wiped away tears throughout his first appearance.
"You were arrested for one count vehicular hit and run - fatality," Commissioner Euguene Cruz said as he read Burns his rights.
Burns only nodded to signal he understood why he was in jail.
New court documents show police used witnesses and video surveillance to track down Burns after the June 11 hit-and-run. Investigators say the suspect vehicle was a Chevy Silverado with distinct markers. It had been 'de-badged,' with exterior markings for trim packages and the Silverado markings removed. There was also a black cover over the bed.
Security cameras also picked up a partial plate, with only two matching pickups registered in Spokane. One of those belonged to Burns.
Court records show investigators were also able to determine the suspect driver had a beard and mustache, another match to Burns.
"[It] took investigators a few days to figure out who may be involved and obviously when they focused in on this particular case and forensic information available, it centered in on you," Commissioner Cruz told Burns.
Prosecutors expressed concern Burns could be a flight risk if he bailed out of jail, citing previous failures to appear in California and the steps he took to hide his pickup after the crash.
During police surveillance, Burns was driving a different vehicle and the pickup wasn't seen outside his Spokane Valley home. When investigators were able to get a warrant Wednesday, the Chevy was found backed into his garage.
During questioning, Burns admitted to police he hit Mann because he "didn't see" her. He also told them, according to court documents, he drove away out of fear, immediately going home and hiding his pickup.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner identified Mann died from blunt force injuries due to the crash. The medical examiner also said that the manner of Mann's death was an accident.
The Mann family released the following statement to KREM 2 last week speaking on Mann's death.
"Janet Mann was all about relationships. She worked intentionally to create, nurture, and enjoy the many people in her life. She loved deeply and authentically: She adored her loving husband of 56 years, her 3 children and their spouses, her 4 grandchildren, and her large and varied community of dear friends. She was humble, compassionate, and kind. 78 years young, Janet would have been horrified to be called elderly; she skied in the winter, biked in the summer, and loved to hike. Well-known as a passionate advocate for children and parents, she leaves a lasting legacy in the field of attachment theory. Most of all, she made every day better for anyone lucky enough to be around her. We are devastated by the loss of her and grateful she was ours."
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