A South Carolina husband allegedly murdered his wife, dumped her body near a lake with the help of two roommates, and then joined a search party to find her missing wife.
Jessica Burns, 20, was last seen on August 1 at her home in Pendleton, South Carolina, with her husband Brandon Burns, roommates Kendall Mims, Victoria Tippett and others. lived with people.
She was not reported missing until her mother, Cecilia Varvara, contacted the Pendleton Police Department on September 10th.
Varvara had received a text message from her daughter, but because it was unwritten, she couldn't believe it was from her. According to WYFF.
Pendleton Police Chief Robert Crosby said at a press conference Wednesday that “the details surrounding the disappearance are vague and the resources and personnel (of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) are needed and necessary for the continued investigation.” Ta.
Burns' mysterious disappearance sparked an investigation, with law enforcement officers from multiple departments searching for her.
During the investigation, a “potential site” was discovered in the Twin Lakes area of Pickens County, just south of Clemson University and six miles from Pendleton's home.
WYFF reported that they were directed to a wooded area near the Twin Lakes boat ramp when the vehicle Burns normally drove was alerted.
Human remains were discovered at the scene on September 20th, and forensic analysis identified the remains as Jessica Barnes on October 1st.
Detectives searched the home where Burns, Mims and Tippett lived and questioned three people, but no one was considered a suspect, Crosby said at the time.
“There were some issues between her and her husband. They were having a typical marital fight and got into an argument and then she left,” Ms Crosby said.
Police said Jessica Burns did not tell her husband or roommate where she was going.
Brandon Burns and Tippett were seen handing out missing person fliers around Pendleton six days after the body was found, according to . Blunt Force Media.
Brandon Barnes held the remains of the couple's stillborn child as he begged for his wife to come back.
“I want to tell her how much I love her and wish I hadn't gone to work every day and ignored her. I ignored her voice and knew it wasn't okay. I said it's okay,” Burns told Brant Force Media. “I was young and stupid. I was always focused on getting more money and more jobs.”
According to the newspaper, Mr Burns pored over a letter his wife had left him, which told him not to open it until their 10th wedding anniversary.
“We've been through a lot in our first year together and I'm so grateful to have found you. I love you so much, baby. Stay by my side and accept me.” “Thank you for that. It's hard to love me, but we had a son and got married.” By the way, the note said:
Jessica Barnes spoke about the challenges the couple faced in their first year of dating, including a stillbirth, Brandon Barnes working two jobs at Fast Food, and wanting to spend more time with him.
“I am amazed at your strength to never give up on your family and keep moving forward even after our angel passed away,” she said. “You're the smartest 21-year-old when it comes to investing and saving because you're always thinking about your future self, and I respect that. My love for you is so deep, even when you're angry. I still love you, and I love you more every day.”
An autopsy conducted by the Pickens County Medical Examiner's Office determined that Burns died of asphyxia due to strangulation, according to . Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore.
The death was ruled a homicide.
When law enforcement was notified of the positive ID on the body earlier this week, Brandon Burns, Mims and Tippett were arrested and taken in for questioning before being charged.
brandon burns was charged with murder and later admitted to the disturbing killings.
In a probable cause arrest warrant reviewed by the newspaper, police allege that he used his arm to strangle his wife with “premeditated malice.”
Mims and Tippett were both charged with accessory after the fact, obstruction of justice, and felony misdemeanor charges.
The three were refused bail.
