A North Texas family is questioning the police shooting of a 71‑year‑old man who was killed by Carrollton officers in January after a report that he took an inappropriate photo at a gym. Officers said the man pointed a gun at them, but his relatives insist the case “doesn’t add up” and believe his severe hearing loss played a critical role.
Family members described Michael Burns, known as “Muscle Michael,” as a longtime fitness enthusiast who volunteered and mentored inmates at the Dallas County Jail. They said he was a “gentle giant” with a “servant’s heart” who lit up every room he entered.
Burns also lived with significant hearing loss and relied on two hearing aids. His sister said, “he could barely hear with the hearing aids in,” and often struggled to follow conversations.
The call from LA Fitness in Carrollton
The incident began around 7:45 p.m. Jan. 22, when a manager at the LA Fitness on Josey Lane reported that Burns had taken an inappropriate photo of a woman inside the gym. His family disputes the allegation and believes he may have been recording himself working out…