A Healdsburg man, Marcus Burton, is facing further scrutiny after a judge condemned his dismissive comments about injuries caused during a high-speed chase last October. Judge Dana Simonds has ordered a review of Burton’s jailhouse phone calls, citing his apparent lack of remorse.
Burton, 20, pleaded no contest to multiple charges, including evading police and child abuse, stemming from a crash on Highway 101 that injured a family of three. The case drew attention due to his license plate cover that read “Will Run.”
During recorded jail calls, Burton downplayed the victims’ injuries and criticized the prosecution, his own attorney, and even his parents. The judge stated that Burton’s attitude was concerning, and that his parents comments were “un-parental”.
His sentencing, originally scheduled for November, has been delayed until April 10th. The Judge has instructed attorneys to provide the jail call information to a psychologist who previously evaluated Burton.
Prosecutors argue that the calls reveal a lack of remorse, contradicting earlier claims. The defense maintains Burton is remorseful and should be considered for probation.
