Missing Attorney Found Dead

The search for a prominent Alexandria attorney is over after his body is discovered near a church.

77-year-old Richard Burnes had been missing from his home since Monday.  His body was found today around 1pm in a wooded area on Bayou Rapides Road, not far from his car.  Authorities say foul play is not suspected, but they are not releasing cause of death.

His long-time pastor says Burnes had been ill, so his disappearance led to an area search.

Those who knew him say Burnes was a highly respected criminal lawyer.

KLAX ABC 31 News 8/28/13