Ex-Atlanta cop charged with murder makes first court appearance

James R. Burns made his first appearance before a judge Monday morning for a formal reading of the charges against him, two days after turning himself into the Fulton County Jail.

Burns is accused of murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and violation of his oath of office in connection with the shooting of Deravis Caine Rogers, a 22-year-old man who drove away from Burns in northeast Atlanta on June 22.

Atlanta Police Chief George Turner fired Burns July 1 after determining that Burns' actions were an unnecessary and excessive use of force. The former officer appeared in magistrate court Monday but made no statement.