What court records reveal about an Oklahoma lawmaker who pleaded guilty to domestic abuse

New court documents detailed why a state lawmaker was charged with domestic abuse. Oklahoma Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, faces multiple calls to resign, including one from Gov. Kevin Stitt. 

On Thursday, Burns pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic abuse and assault charges. This case started with an OSBI investigation in April. None of the case’s details were publicly available until after Burns pleaded guilty in Pawnee County District Court on Thursday (Aug. 28). 

RELATED: Oklahoma State Rep. Ty Burns pleads guilty, sentenced for domestic abuse, assault

In April, Pawnee County district attorney Mike Fisher asked OSBI to help investigate an incident involving Burns. Court records reveal Burns got into an argument with his wife and his 16-year-old daughter. Records show Burns was upset because he thought his wife had allowed his daughter to drink alcohol. 

According to a probable cause affidavit, during an argument in April between the couple, the girl’s grandmother left with Burns’ daughter in a van. Court records show Burns chased after the van and was trying to hit it with his truck. Investigators said during the chase, Burns’ daughter called her mother and said, “he is going to kill us.” Investigators said they heard similar statements in a recording. 

Records also revealed a conversation between investigators and Burns’ wife, where she accused Burns of trying to gouge her eye out last Thanksgiving, and that he broke a blood vessel in her eye. Officials released details of the case on the state online court records system following Burns' plea. 

As part of Burns’ plea agreement, he is to complete one year of a state-approved domestic violence intervention program. Burns also received a one-year suspended sentence. Attorney Chris Kannady represented Burns. Kannady serves alongside Burns in the state House and is the counselor to the House speaker. Burns said in a statement that he is stepping down as chair of the Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee. 

Burns said, 

“I take full responsibility for my actions and have started a year-long batterers intervention program and am getting treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and learning how to deal with past experiences in a more healthy manner. I know I must do better for myself and my family. I deeply regret what occurred and am prepared to be held accountable for my actions. I am stepping down from my position as chair of the Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee so I can focus on my family and serving my constituents.” 

Stitt acknowledged the seriousness of Burns’ actions and called for him to step down from his position. 

“Representative Burns and his family are in my prayers, but at this time I urge him to step down from his position in the legislature,” said Stitt, in a statement to News 9. “Domestic violence is a serious crime and should be treated as such. Being an elected official is a full-time commitment to the public, and these serious convictions of recent abuse should demand full-time and attention to rehabilitation and reconciliation.” 

A spokesperson for House Speaker Kyle Hilbert declined an on-camera interview to clarify Burns' future at the Capitol. The spokesperson said Hilbert wasn’t saying anything beyond a statement on Thursday, where Hilbert said,

“There is no place in society for domestic violence of any kind. I appreciate Rep. Burns taking ownership for his actions and seeking treatment.” 

The Oklahoma Republican Party stood with Stitt and agreed Burns should resign. Its chairman said, "The 'good old boy' system concealing nefarious behavior should no longer be tolerated in Oklahoma." 

OKC attorney Ed Blau said a suspended sentence is common in these cases for a first offense. Blau said that because this is a misdemeanor conviction, Burns is not required to leave the legislature. 

The YWCA, which helps domestic violence survivors, released a statement saying,

“YWCA OKC honors the courage of those surviving domestic violence each day in Oklahoma. Domestic violence is about power and control, and people who choose violent and coercive behaviors come from all walks of life, including those in positions of leadership and influence. Victim safety and offender accountability is critical to interrupting domestic violence in our communities and state. YWCA OKC specializes in approaches to victim safety, including free and confidential services that are available 24 hours per day. For those who choose to use control and violence, Attorney General-certified 52-week batterers intervention programs are the most appropriate intervention, following a swift criminal legal response. When abuse by public figures is revealed, it reminds us that domestic violence is a systemic issue. We should not look away, but instead use this moment to recommit to building communities where safety and dignity are non-negotiable."