Ex-Radio Host Shannon Burke Now Free Man

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Former radio host Shannon Burke is a free man. WFTV was there when he walked out of the Orange County jail late Thursday morning. Burke served time for shooting his wife and their dog and for violating his probation.

RAW INTERVIEW: Burke Talks To WFTV After Release

Burke is a former radio host and, when WFTV asked what he plans to do now, he said sit by the pool, spend time with his children and ride his Harley like he's being chased.

Shannon Burke's wife, Catherine Burke, showed up at the jail just before his release. She walked in with a smile, gave WFTV a thumbs up and mouthed, "It's a great day."

Burke was serving time, because he violated his probation in 2009 when he shot his dog and his wife during a drunken rage. He had served time for that in Seminole County, but then had to go to the Orange County jail to serve the time for violating the probation.

WFTV was told he was in protective custody at the jail and he did get out early because of time served and good behavior.

"Are you going to stop drinking now?" WFTV reporter Daralene Jones asked Shannon Burke.

"I haven't had a drink in over a year. I'm sober. Yes," Shannon Burke said.

"Do you believe Shannon has really changed over the last several months since he's been in jail?" Jones asked Catherine Burke.

"I know that he is the man that he always wanted to be," she replied.

Thursday, they both denied and even laughed when WFTV asked if he ever hit her.

"I was not an abused woman," Catherine said.

WFTV was at the jail last month when Burke turned himself in with a bible in hand. He was supposed to serve 60 days, but jail officials said he only stayed 35 because of time served and good behavior.

"I spent a lot of time with the bible and read about 30 other books," Shannon Burke said.

Burke said he has a few offers to get back into radio, but nothing solid lined up yet. As he left the jail he seemed more concerned about his immediate plans.

"Find a cheeseburger on the way home. I'm going to spend some time with my wife and kids. I'm going to lay by the pool. Ride my Harley like I was being chased by a sleeper cell," Burke said.

The Burkes also told WFTV they got a new dog to play with the dog that was shot during his drunken rage last year.

Previous Stories: December 31, 2009: Radio Host Shannon Burke Turns Self In December 14, 2009: No Decision In Radio Host's Orange Co. Case November 4, 2009: Radio Host Shannon Burke's Case Delayed Again October 12, 2009: Burke Back In Court After Returning To Radio October 9, 2009: Shannon Burke Hosting Radio Show Again

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