Debra Jean Jones gets 8 years for fatally stabbing Shounya Burnett during domestic argument in 2013 in Austin

Jeff Mayes — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 15:57:18 -0600

Debra Jean Jones | Chicago Police

By JORDAN OWEN
Chicago Sun-Times Wire

A 56-year-old woman was sentenced to eight years in prison Tuesday for fatally stabbing Shounya Burnett during a domestic argument in the West Side Austin neighborhood in 2013.

Debra Jean Jones was found guilty of second-degree murder after a bench trial before Judge Joseph Kazmierski, according to Cook County court records.

Jones was arguing with the 45-year-old Burnett a few minutes before 1 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2013, when she stabbed Burnett in the neck and chin with a knife, authorities said at the time.

Burnett, of the 4500 block of West Grenshaw, was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

Police said the incident was domestic-related.

Judge Kazmierski sentenced Jones to eight years in prison Tuesday. She will receive credit for 809 days served in the Cook County jail.

Debra Jean Jones | Homicide Watch Chicago

Debra Jean Jones gets 8 years for fatally stabbing Shounya Burnett during domestic argument in 2013 in Austin