A Biloxi man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for sex crimes against a child.
David Burkart, 66, began an online relationship with a 13-year-old male victim when he was 64. According to court records, after meeting at the victim’s residence in Gulfport, the victim testified that he listed his age as 19 online but told Burkart in person that he was actually 13. He then stated that he and Burkhart went into the backseat of Burkhart’s vehicle, where the sexual acts took place.
“Video from a nearby business was played for the jury, which showed the Defendant pull into the rear of the victim’s residence, the Defendant and the victim speak, the victim then enter the backseat of the vehicle, and then the Defendant enter the backseat of the vehicle,” Assistant District Attorney Matthew D. Burrell said. “They remained in the backseat of the vehicle for almost 15 minutes.”
According to court records, the video showed the victim’s grandmother come outside in search of the victim. She stated that when she walked outside, she was able to look into the vehicle and witness the sexual act.
The grandmother then tried to open the car doors, but was unable to. After several attempts, Burkhart opened the doors and exited the vehicle with the victim. The grandmother confronted Burkhart, who claimed that he thought the victim was 19 or 20 years old.
Not convinced, she pulled out her phone and took pictures of Burkhart and his vehicle before contacting local police. One picture shown to the jury showed Burkhart’s pants unzipped.
Upon arrival, officers with the Gulfport Police Department began their investigation and identified Burkhart based on the grandmother’s description. They later found his vehicle, which crime scene technicians processed, allowing them to collect samples from the backseat.
During his hearing on Wednesday, Burkhart testified in his own defense before the jury deliberated for 10 hours. The official verdicts found him guilty on two counts of sexual battery and one count of touching of a child for lustful purposes. Judge Randi Mueller sentenced Burkhart to two consecutive life sentences plus an additional 15 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Correction. Due to the nature of his crimes, Burkhart will not be eligible for parole or early release.
“What is most disturbing about this case is that this defendant preyed on a child. That alone is reprehensible, and the consecutive life sentences ensure that he will never have the opportunity to prey on another child,” Hancock, Harrison, and Stone Counties District Attorney W. Crosby Parker said. “But this case is also a reminder of how easily predators can use social media and the internet to reach our children.
“As parents, we can put up fences, lock our doors, and do everything we can to keep our children safe at home, but that is no longer enough. We have to be vigilant about what our children are doing online, who they are communicating with, and what platforms they are using,” Parker continued. “We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who prey on children, but keeping our children safe requires all of us to stay informed, involved, and vigilant.”