Site last updated: Monday, August 3, 2026

Log In

Reset Password
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Trucker found guilty of killing motorcyclist is paroled

This was the scene of the truck-motorcycle accident that claimed the life of Dale T. Major in 2016.

In Butler County court on Thursday, Mary Poole faced the man who killed her brother and recalled hearing about the death in 2016, “The numbness you feel is overwhelming. I was blinded by grief.”

During a three day-trial in August, a jury unanimously found Michael T. Burns, 59, of Houston, guilty of killing Dale T. Major after Burns ran a red light in a truck he was driving and hit Major on his motorcycle.

Judge William Shaffer on Thursday sentenced Burns to three to six months of incarceration but he decided to parole him immediately to be placed on house arrest for six months. Burns will also be on probation for eight and a half years and must serve 250 hours of community service.

But Major's family also wanted Burns to reckon the loss he caused and “never forget us for we are bound by tragedy.

This is an excerpt —read the full story in Friday's Butler Eagle.

More in Digital Media Exclusive

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS