WHITFIELD COUNTY — Erica Dawn Hedden pleaded guilty to influencing a witness on June 5, 2026, in Whitfield County, Georgia. Chief Superior Court Judge Cindy Morris sentenced Hedden to five years, with the first 30 days to be served in confinement.

The remainder of Hedden's sentence will be served on probation. She was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, complete 250 hours of community service, and have no direct or indirect contact with the victim or several witnesses who testified during her son's trial.

Hedden's charge stems from attempts to intimidate and silence the victim in her son Skylor Burke's case. The victim and multiple witnesses testified that Hedden tracked their locations, maintained constant contact, pressured the victim to recant statements, and coerced some witnesses to lie to law enforcement.

Hedden entered her plea after Burke's five-day trial in March 2026. A Whitfield County jury found Burke guilty of two counts of rape, one count of kidnapping, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of family violence aggravated sexual assault, and one count of false imprisonment. Burke was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

Hedden requested to be sentenced as a first offender, but the state opposed the request and Judge Morris declined it. Assistant District Attorney Ashley Odom represented the State, and Ian Whittle represented Hedden. The victim approved the state's negotiated sentencing recommendation.

Prosecutors said, "This case underscores the difficulties sexual abuse and family violence victims face when they bravely come forward to report their abuse. Victims are often shunned by their families and face backlash from those closest to them because of the spotlight of a criminal investigation. They can become isolated and frequently suffer financially, as abusers and their families are often a significant source of financial support. Victims are also routinely forced to relocate and upend their own lives to escape the abuse."

Prosecutors added, "The District Attorney's Office encourages victims to come forward and report abuse. We work alongside victims as they face the complexities of these cases, and we strive to seek justice on their behalf."