A Jacksonville man has been convicted in a plot to have his wife murdered. Jerry Burns was found guilty by a jury on Friday of first-degree murder for his role in the homicide of Velvet Burns in 2019. According to First Coast News, Burns, who could potentially face the death penalty, conspired with his mistress, Amanda Love, to orchestrate the killing, which they intended to make appear as a burglary.
The details of the case reveal a chilling betrayal, as Burns and Love reportedly hired a hitman, Stephen Hand, who carried out the brutal crime. Velvet Burns was found stabbed to death, having suffered 39 times at her home. During the trial, it was disclosed that Burns had left doors purposely unlocked to facilitate the murder, an action which he later disguised as a concern when he prompted a neighbor to discover the grisly scene. In a statement reported by Action News Jax, the prosecution emphasized the premeditation behind this "zero doubt in the world that this was a pre-meditated killing."
Love and Hand are already serving their sentences, with Love receiving 40 years and Hand sentenced to life without parole. Information from News4Jax indicated that Hand had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, while Love was convicted of second-degree murder and conspiracy to murder in relation to the plot.
Burns' fate now hangs in the balance as the jury decides whether to recommend the death penalty or life in prison. Notably, under a recent state law change, the jury in Florida does not need to reach a unanimous decision to make such a recommendation; they only need at least an 8 to 4 split in favor of execution. This divergence from the unanimity usually required has placed Florida as one of the few states allowing for such a recommendation. The sentencing phase for Burns is expected to begin today.
