Former Marine Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Tragic Hunting Accident That Killed 11-Year-Old Boy

In a heart-wrenching conclusion to a tragic incident, former U.S. Marine Joshua Stewart Burks, 37, pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter on Friday in the shooting death of 11-year-old Troy Ellis during a 2020 hunting trip in Jefferson County, Alabama. Burks, a South Alabama teacher, coach, and amputee, faced these charges following the accidental shooting that claimed young Troy’s life and injured his father, Obed Ellis.

The trial began earlier in the week, with the jury starting deliberations on Thursday after two and a half days of testimony. However, on Friday, the jury reported difficulty in reaching a unanimous decision, leading to negotiations between the prosecution and defense. As a result, Burks entered a guilty plea to reckless manslaughter, a felony charge. In exchange, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with six months to be served in the Jefferson County Jail, followed by three years of probation.

In a tearful moment during the court proceedings, Burks addressed Troy’s family, expressing his deep remorse and hope for forgiveness. “You are forgiven,” Obed Ellis, Troy’s father, replied, leading to a powerful and emotional exchange that left many in the courtroom in tears. Jefferson County Assistant District Attorney Misty Reynolds, who prosecuted the case, described the moment as “very powerful” and expressed satisfaction that the family finally received a sense of closure.

The incident occurred on May 1, 2020, during a hunting trip organized by America’s Heroes Enjoying Recreation Outdoors (AHEROES), a group that sponsors hunts for wounded veterans. Troy’s father, a teacher and coach, acted as a guide for Burks, who was hunting for the first time. The group included Burks, Ellis, Troy, and Kyle Henley, a friend of the Ellis family who helped organize the hunt.

After an early morning departure, the group moved to a second hunting site when no turkeys were found at the first location. The tragic gunshot occurred around 9 a.m., resulting in 30 pellet wounds to Troy’s face and neck. His father was also injured, sustaining a wound to his knee. Prosecutors argued that Burks had recklessly mistaken Troy for a turkey, disregarding the safety instructions he had been given.

During the trial, Obed Ellis provided emotional testimony, recounting the horrifying moment he realized his son had been shot. “I was hit, I got hit in my knee, my left knee,” Ellis recalled. “I looked at Troy and pushed his shoulder and said, ‘You alright?'” He described the desperate attempts to save his son’s life, performing chest compressions as they descended the mountain in a utility vehicle. Tragically, Troy took his last breath at 9:25 a.m.

The Ellis family, devastated by the loss, has since launched The Troy Ellis Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting youth athletes in their community. The foundation aims to improve facilities, athletic programs, and equipment while reducing costs for families.

The tragic incident has left lasting scars on both families involved. Burks’ defense team argued that the shooting was a tragic accident and not a criminal act. However, the guilty plea to reckless manslaughter brought a legal resolution to the case. Burks was immediately taken into custody to begin serving his sentence.

The case serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety and responsibility, particularly in high-risk activities like hunting. It also highlights the devastating impact that a single moment of carelessness can have on multiple lives.