Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Wife’s Murder Plot
Jacksonville, Fla. – On December 17, 2024, a jury recommended that a local man spend his life in prison for the first-degree murder of his wife, Velvet Burns. Jerry Burns was found guilty last Friday for orchestrating a plot that led to the brutal killing of his wife in 2019. The decision against the death penalty came after the jury deliberated and voted 10-2 in favor of a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
The Events Leading to the Conviction
Velvet Burns was viciously stabbed 39 times in her home on May 9, 2019. Prosecutors argued that Jerry Burns had conspired with his mistress, Amanda Love, to hire someone to murder Velvet. The alleged hitman was Stephen Hand, who was Love’s partner at the time. Both love and Hand were also convicted for their roles in the fatal plan.
Testimonies Affecting Sentencing
During the sentencing hearing, the couple’s children spoke about the profound impact of their mother’s murder. Velvet’s son described her as a “beautiful person inside and out” and expressed the emotional pain his family has endured since her death. “The hurt that my family has gone through I wish on no one,” he stated. Their daughter shared her struggle with loss, recalling a difficult moment when she cut her food and wondered if she was using the same type of knife that had taken her mother’s life. “Now I am planning a wedding without the guidance of my mom,” she lamented, expressing fears for the future without parental support.
The Jury’s Decision
Following the conclusion of witness testimonies late Tuesday afternoon, the jury was faced with a significant decision: whether to recommend life imprisonment or the death penalty for Jerry Burns. Under a law enacted last year, Florida’s juries no longer are required to reach a unanimous decision for a death penalty recommendation. Instead, a simple majority is sufficient, with at least 8 jurors voting in favor.
Arguments from Defense and Prosecution
The defense attempted to paint Jerry Burns as a troubled family man, highlighting his low IQ and low self-esteem stemming from childhood abuse, hoping this would sway the jury away from the death penalty. However, the prosecution countered this portrayal with testimonies indicating that despite these challenges, Burns had the ability to devise a complex plan to carry out the murder. Evidence was presented suggesting he offered $30,000 to have his wife killed and discussed methods of making it appear as though she died from natural causes.
What’s Next?
The final decision regarding Jerry Burns’ sentence will ultimately be made by the judge in this case. As the courtroom filled with emotions, the victims’ families hoped their painful experiences would resonate in the judge’s forthcoming decision, emphasizing the loss that cannot be undone.
This case highlights a tragic story of betrayal, violence, and the far-reaching effects of crime on families. As it concludes a significant chapter, the community continues to reflect on the horrifying events that shook their neighborhood.
