Conviction in Velvet Burns Murder Case
Jacksonville, FL – In a significant development in a murder case that has captured public attention, Jerry “Tommy” Allen Burns, 55, has been convicted of the first-degree murder of his wife, Velvet Burns, who was found stabbed to death in their home on May 9, 2019. The conviction also includes charges of conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation to commit a capital felony. After less than an hour of deliberation, the jury reached their verdict on Friday. Sentencing is set to begin on Monday, where a judge will determine whether Burns will face the death penalty.
What Happened?
Velvet Burns was discovered dead at their home on a quiet street in Jacksonville’s Westside. Investigators revealed that she had been stabbed a shocking 39 times. Initially, Burns claimed he had been in Tallahassee for work and became worried when his wife did not respond. He asked a friend to check on her, leading to the grim discovery. Initially labeled as a botched burglary, further investigation soon contradicted Burns’ story.
Who Was Involved?
The murder plot unraveled with the involvement of two key figures, Amanda Lea Love, 37, and Stephen Shelton Hand, 42. Love, who had been in a romantic relationship with Burns, eventually admitted to conspiring with him to kill Velvet. Hand testified that he drove Love to the Burn’s residence and was involved in the stabbing.
When Did The Events Unfold?
On May 9, 2019, the day of the murder, Love was the first to initiate violence. Both she and Hand purchased weapons and clothing days prior, indicating a premeditated plan. They intended to execute the murder while Velvet slept, but when she awoke, the plan spiraled into a chaotic attack.
Why Did This Happen?
The motive for the heinous act appeared to stem from financial and personal interests. Testimonies during the trial revealed that Burns was funding Love and her drug addiction and that he feared a divorce would financially devastate him. Love recounted that Burns expressed a willingness to go as far as killing his wife to avoid losing money and assets.
Details of the Case
In the court proceedings, *Hand* revealed he had witnessed Burns giving Love a large sum of money, suggesting he was financially invested in the plot. The jury heard alarming accounts of how both Love and Hand’s addiction to drugs fueled their neglect for human life. Love testified that she had previously considered different ways to kill Velvet, demonstrating their chilling desensitization to violence.
The defense attempted to distance Burns from the crime, painting Love as the primary instigator due to her unstable lifestyle and mental state. Defense attorney Michael Bossen argued that many inconsistencies in testimonies indicated that Love was manipulating the narrative to save herself. He asserted that while Burns was guilty of various immoral acts, he was not the murderer.
However, the prosecution underscored Burns’ apparent motive and intimate relationship with Love, presenting key evidence, including phone records and deleted texts between the conspirators. They also highlighted Burns’ financial motives and how he was allegedly willing to risk everything to save his own interests.
Conclusion
As the trial concluded, and sentencing looms, the case has not just spotlighted the systematic failures surrounding addiction and responsibility but has also opened necessary discussions regarding domestic violence and the devastating effects it can have on families. The community awaits the upcoming sentencing, curious about the ultimate fate of Jerry Burns.
