Former Atlanta police officer charged with murder gets out of jail

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A former Atlanta police officer charged with murdering a suspect walked out of the Fulton County Jail this morning.

James Burns faces a murder charge after he shot 22-year-old Caine Rogers on Monroe Place off Piedmont Road. Rogers was allegedly driving away as Burns was investigating a report of possible suspicious person.

Rogers' family filed a federal lawsuit naming Burns and the Atlanta Police Department as defendants.

“He was just a very compassionate child, and again, he was my oldest, and I loved him dearly and the loss that I’ve suffered is past devastating,” Melva Rogers said.

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Atlanta police fired Burns for using excessive force, stating Rogers never threatened the former officer's life.

The district attorney’s office filed felony murder charges against Burns the following day.

Burns turned himself in Saturday, July 16 after a warrant was filed for his arrest.

Cox Media Group