In a deeply emotional court hearing, former U.S. Marine Joshua Stewart Burks, aged 37, pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter in the tragic death of 11-year-old Troy Ellis during a 2020 hunting trip in Jefferson County, Alabama. The incident, which also resulted in injuries to Troy’s father, Obed Ellis, occurred on May 1, 2020, during a hunting expedition organized by America’s Heroes Enjoying Recreation Outdoors (AHEROES), a group supporting wounded veterans.
Burks, who had been hunting for the first time, mistakenly shot Troy, believing him to be a turkey. The accident led to Troy suffering 30 pellet wounds to his face and neck, ultimately taking his life at 9:25 a.m. on the day of the incident. Obed Ellis, who served as a guide during the hunt, was also injured in the knee but tragically could not save his son despite desperate attempts.
During the trial, which began earlier this week, the jury faced challenges in reaching a unanimous verdict. This impasse led to negotiations between the prosecution and the defense, culminating in Burks entering a guilty plea. In exchange, Burks was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with six months to be served in the Jefferson County Jail, followed by three years of probation.
In a tearful moment during the proceedings, Burks expressed his deep remorse and sought forgiveness from Troy’s family. Obed Ellis, displaying extraordinary grace, responded by saying, “You are forgiven,” a powerful exchange that moved many in the courtroom to tears.
This tragic case underscores the critical importance of safety and responsibility in high-risk activities like hunting. The Ellis family, in the aftermath of their profound loss, has established The Troy Ellis Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting youth athletes in their community, aiming to enhance athletic programs and reduce costs for families.
Burks’ guilty plea and subsequent sentencing bring a legal conclusion to a case that has left lasting scars on both families involved, serving as a somber reminder of the far-reaching consequences of a single moment of carelessness.