Man charged with murder in shooting death of TBI agent

JACKSON, Tenn. — The man accused of killing a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent in Jackson was formally charged Wednesday. The district attorney’s office said he could face the death penalty.

Brenden Tyler Burns

Brenden Tyler Burns, 23, appeared Wednesday in Jackson City Court, charged with murder in the perpetration of attempted aggravated robbery.

Burns chose to be arraigned via video instead of in person. “I mean it don’t matter,” Burns told the judge. “I’m just a square in your world, sir. It doesn’t matter, sir.”

Burns is accused of shooting TBI Special Agent De’Greaun Frazier on Tuesday during an undercover drug buy on Brianfield Cove in north Jackson.

“Brenden Burns was to secure an ounce of cocaine for $975,” Jackson City Court Judge Blake Anderson said.

Police said instead of returning with drugs, Burns got in the back seat, pulled a gun on Agent Frazier and a confidential informant and said, “You know what time it is?” and “If I have to pop you, I’ll pop you,” which was reportedly directed at Agent Frazier.

Officers said when Agent Frazier tried to get out of the vehicle, Burns shot him in the back. Investigators said Agent Frazier returned fire even though he was wounded.

Police said they found Burns and a gun inside a home not far from where the shooting happened.

Burns told the judge he doesn’t have any family in this area but did say he has a fiancee. Burns told the judge he does not work and does not have a drug or alcohol problem but did admit to being arrested in the past. “I’m on probation,” Burns said. “That’s six months though.”

The judge ordered Burns be held without bond.

Police said the vehicle used during the undercover operation had audio and visual equipment that recorded the shooting.

Burns is scheduled to return to court Aug. 18 at 1:30 p.m.