By KPR
Fort Campbell, KY – A former Fort Campbell soldier accused of double murder in Hardin County will likely be out of jail today for the first time since his arrest in 2007. soldier accused of double murder in Hardin County will likely be out of jail today for the first time since his arrest in 2007. Four mistrials later, a judge will be asked to dismiss charges against Brent Burke. He's accused of shooting his estranged wife Tracy and her former mother-in-law Karen Comer.
"The decision to dismiss charges came after jurors from Brent Burke's fourth trial were polled to find out what the Commonwealth could do to bring a different verdict. Based on that feedback, Commonwealth Attorney Chris Shaw said it was unlikely a fifth trial scheduled for September would produce a guilty verdict. Michelle Kirstedder is the daughter of Karen Comer. 'I don't agree at all. I know he did it. So I feel pretty confident that we need to go through another trial.' All four trials have been based mainly on circumstantial evidence and the testimony of Tracy Burke's young son who claimed he recognized Burke as the shooter. I court today, Prosecutor Shaw will ask the court to dismiss the charges without prejudice, meaning more charges could be filed if more evidence comes to light."