Deputy AG cites privacy issues in release of details in Rochester man's fatal shooting

Mike Burns (Courtesy photo)

AUGUSTA, Maine - In response to a Rochester Voice Freedom of Information inquiry seeking details in the Saco death of a Rochester man more than two months ago, Maine's deputy attorney general reiterated on Wednesday that the investigation was, indeed, active and ongoing but also added that disclosure of more details could also "constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy," something the state would not allow.

The comments came to light as The Rochester Voice continues to report on the fatal shooting of Michael Burns, 54, a well-respected and beloved local Boy Scout troop leader, who was killed on the front porch of the Saco duplex early the morning of Sept. 30 by a single gunshot wound to the head.

Burns, the father of two young men currently serving in the military, worked as a self-employed computer technician.

Police have released little more than what was disclosed in their initial press release, which said police had identified the man who shot Burns and that there were two other men in the house at the time. Detectives said the man who shot Burns was the one who called police.

Police have released no details pertaining to the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and there have been no arrests. Based on a coroner's examination, however, it has been announced that it was a homicide, which simply means Burns' fatal wound was not self-inflicted.

Among notable information police have not released are whether there was a search warrant or consent search effected in the house where the shooting occurred, what type of weapon was used, whether the men knew each other and if further interviews or toxicology report results are pending.

Police have said that all three of the men in the house at the time of Burns' death have been interviewed at least once.

Lisa Marchese, a deputy attorney general and chief of the Criminal Division, said on Wednesday that there is a limit on what can be released citing fears of jeopardizing further investigation or interviews.

She said that the state would not want to have those possible future interviews to be tainted through press accounts. She also spoke further on privacy issues.

"It could be inappropriate to have a discussion of the facts of the case when you have real people involved," she said.

Marchese added that there is no timetable for a possible resolution of the case and further release of information, but added that, "Eventually the public will understand."