Ex-U of A Football Star Admits Guilt in 2017 Murder Case

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — Former University of Arizona football player Davonte Neal has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, stemming from a 2017 incident that left 25-year-old Bryan Burns dead.

Neal entered the plea last week in Maricopa County Superior Court. The court records reveal that the former player, who had served as an assistant coach at Idaho State University before his 2022 charges, is set for sentencing on October 4. According to the plea agreement, he faces a prison term of 20 to 25 years.

The tragic event occurred in November 2017, when Burns was shot following a car sideswipe incident near Interstate 10 and Elliot Road in Phoenix. Court documents suggest that jealousy motivated Neal, as Burns was reportedly involved with the mother of Neal’s daughter.

Before his college career, Neal played football at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, making his way to the Arizona Wildcats before continuing his coaching in Idaho.

In a broader context, Maricopa County, known for its significant population and expansive geography, is the fourth largest county in the United States. With 4,485,414 residents as of the 2020 Census, it encompasses about 63% of Arizona’s population across 9,224 square miles, a size that exceeds several U.S. states.

The county also includes one of the largest park systems in the nation, offering approximately 120,000 acres of open space, featuring trails, nature centers, and campgrounds. Phoenix serves as the county seat and is the state capital, ranking as the fifth most populous city in the country.

Named after the Maricopa or Piipaash Native American Tribe, Maricopa County houses a rich history amidst its modern development, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.