Justin Burns’ Killer Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter

Manassas Park Resident Jose Rafael Lizama pled guilty Friday, January 3, 2024, to felony Involuntary Manslaughter stemming from a December 2, 2023 crash where Lizama admitted to striking and killing pedestrian Justin Burns, 39, of Blackstone, Va.

Lizama appeared with an interpreter, and his lawyer stood before Judge Angela Horan and took responsibility for the 11 p.m. crash in front of Old Towne Sports Pub in Manassas.

During Lizama’s preliminary hearing in May 2024, Prosecutors presented evidence, including a nearby homeowner’s security camera footage that caught Lizama’s van traveling at a high rate of speed, striking Burns as he crossed the street in an unlit area of Center Street.

Manassas police crash investigators testified Lizama was traveling nearly double the posted 25 mph speed limit and said the foggy weather was a factor in the crash. Police also testified that Lizama was determined to be under the influence of alcohol by more than twice the legal limit of .08.

The plea agreement between prosecutors and the Lizama recommends a five year prison term, however the court does not have to honor that agreement and can impose up to ten years in prison based on Virginia law. Judge Moran went into detail to ensure Lizama understood that the agreement’s recommendations did not bind her. Lizama has a history of alcohol and driving-related convictions, which will likely play into Horan’s sentencing decision.

Kim Burns, the mother of the victim, who has attended all of Lizama’s court hearings, told Potomac Local News that she’s “glad he took responsibility and glad that [Burns’] friends and family don’t have to go through a trial,” she added “but it doesn’t bring my son back.”

Horan revoked Lizama’s bond, and he was taken into custody. He is scheduled to appear before Horan for sentencing on April 3, 2025.

Lizama has a history of alcohol and speed legal issues, including a 2021 charge of drinking in public in Westmoreland County, where he paid a fine and court cost, as well as a dismissed speeding charge where he was accused of exceeding the speed limit by over 20 mph in Prince William County in 2018.

Burns, a Manassas native, was visiting friends on the night he was struck and killed. Lizama was twice taken to jail and later released following the incident after the Prince William County court refused to keep him behind bars.