Michael Burklund, 47, was fatally shot on October 3, 2010, at his home in Springfield Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His wife, Dorleen Burklund, 49, retrieved a .38-caliber handgun during a dispute after Michael went to the house to pick up clothes for work and shot him multiple times. Dorleen then called 911 and was taken into custody at the scene.

The couple had a history of marital problems; Dorleen had previously filed for a protection from abuse order against Michael. Prosecutors charged Dorleen with first-degree murder, while her defense presented the killing as an act of self-defense. The trial produced conflicting accounts about what led to the shooting.

Dorleen Burklund was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.