A Colorado man has been sentenced to two life sentences for the double murder of former small-town landlords Michael Arnold, 69, and Donna Gallegos, 65.
Mark Burns, 69, was found guilty of murdering the couple in Paonia, Colorado, and committing multiple additional crimes, including aggravated robbery, burglary, menacing, and tampering with physical evidence.
The Murders and Burns’ Motive
Burns’ conviction followed a jury deliberation of eight hours on June 12. The murder took place on February 4, 2022, when Delta County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call about two dead bodies at a residence located at 15835 Black Bridge Road, Paonia.
Upon arriving, authorities discovered Arnold and Gallegos’ bodies in the home, both victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
At the time of the killings, Burns had been living in Idaho. He was arrested less than two weeks after the murders and extradited back to Colorado. Prosecutors revealed during the trial that Burns had previously rented a property from Arnold starting in 2018 but had been evicted in 2021.
Witnesses said that Burns and Arnold had a “contentious relationship” by the time Burns was forced to leave, and tensions had escalated.
According to court documents, Burns had a romantic history with a woman who had once been involved with Arnold. Burns even financed a lawsuit filed by the woman, claiming she and Arnold were in a common law marriage. Prosecutors believe this played a role in Burns’ growing resentment towards Arnold.
The Murder and Burns’ Denial
In the months leading up to the murder, Burns allegedly threatened Arnold, telling him, “You don’t know who you’re messing with,” in a statement that prosecutors used to argue a motive for revenge. Burns also allegedly exhibited greed, as evidence suggested he had access to more money in the days following the murders.
The crucial evidence in the case came from home surveillance footage showing the masked murderer shooting Arnold and Gallegos multiple times.
Although the suspect’s face was obscured, prosecutors believed the person was Burns, pointing out key details such as duct tape on the wrists to hold sleeves in place and the possibility of a wig being worn to disguise his appearance. Burns denied being the person in the footage.
Justice and Sentencing
Following the conviction, Delta County Sheriff Mark Taylor and Undersheriff Quinn Archibeque described the verdict as “just” and expressed hope that it would bring closure to the victims’ friends and family.
Burns was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences, as well as additional years for the other charges.
Burns’ actions, fueled by a mix of vengeance and financial motivation, have led to a tragic loss for the victims’ families and the community, as justice has been served with his conviction.
