Jacksonville Residents Shocked by Gruesome Murder-For-Hire Case
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In a case that has captivated and horrified the local community, Jerry Burns is on trial for his alleged role in the brutal murder of his wife, Velvet Burns. The shocking events unfolded on May 9, 2019, when Velvet, 44, was stabbed 39 times while she slept in their home. Prosecutors claim that Jerry Burns orchestrated the murder, believing it would be cheaper than divorcing her.
The Crime Details
According to the prosecution’s case, while Jerry Burns had a seemingly legitimate reason for being away from home that night, working on an electrical job in Tallahassee, he was actually the mastermind behind the attack. Testimonies reveal he agreed to pay $50,000 to his mistress, Amanda Love, to facilitate the murder.
It has been established that the home on Jacksonville’s Westside was left vulnerable for Love and her partner, Stephen Hand, to gain entry. The lock was removed from the gate, the back door was left open, and a deadbolt ensured the door could not close, allowing the duo access right into Velvet Burns’ bedroom.
Motives Unveiled
Prosecutor Alan Mizrahi revealed that Jerry Burns thought he could avoid the high costs of divorce by taking such drastic measures. “Because divorce was too darn expensive,” Mizrahi remarked in court, conveying the cold reasoning that led to such a heinous crime.
During the trial, it was noted that while Jerry and Velvet Burns had been married since March 1994 and had two children, their relationship had deteriorated to a point where they mostly lived like roommates. It is claimed that Jerry had multiple affairs, and Velvet had sought legal advice about divorce starting in 2017.
The Arrangement
Amanda Love testified that her relationship with Jerry began in 2018, primarily for financial gain rather than love. She admitted to using him for money, and as their affair progressed, both Love and Hand viewed Jerry as a means to support their drug habits while caring for their children.
Initially, Jerry Burns paid $30,000 to Love to carry out the plot, but that money quickly dissipated, leading him to promise an additional $20,000 for a successful completion of the murder. This led to the deadly plan being set for the early hours of May 9, when he deliberately vacated the premises with his son and an employee.
The Attack
After ensuring Jerry was gone, Love and Hand entered the house armed with knives, fatally attacking Velvet Burns. Love testified that she witnessed the horror unfold and attempted to make a call for help, but they fled before assistance could arrive.
The Aftermath
In the following moments, Jerry Burns made calls to family and friends, feigning concern for Velvet’s well-being while meeting Amanda Love at a convenience store shortly after the murder. This encounter was captured on surveillance footage, showing the couple kissing as if nothing had transpired.
The Arrests
All three individuals involved were arrested shortly thereafter. While Jerry Burns did not physically stab Velvet, prosecutors argue that he created the opportunity for the brutal crime.
As the trial continues, the defense argues that while Jerry’s past infidelity is undeniable, it does not make him guilty of murder. They claim Amanda Love has been dishonest, and her testimonies are unreliable.
The Camelot of Jacksonville awaits the verdict on this case, as the jury hears from multiple witnesses, including police detectives and family members, to piece together the shocking chain of events that led to this tragic loss of life.
This trial encapsulates a deeply troubled relationship, intertwined with deceit, manipulation, and ultimately, a horrific crime. As the courtroom drama unfolds, the community is left grappling with the implications of such a senseless act of violence.
