Jerry Burns and his mistress, Amanda Love, are accused of conspiring to murder his wife, Velvet, in 2019. Burns allegedly hired a hitman to stab Velvet to death. Love was convicted earlier of second-degree murder and conspiracy for her role in the plot, and the trial for Burns began on Wednesday.
The prosecution opened the trial by presenting evidence, with both sides delivering their statements. Burns is facing first-degree murder charges, which could lead to the death penalty in Florida. He is the final defendant to be tried in connection with Velvet’s death. Stephen Hand, the hitman who carried out the murder, was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Burns conspired with Love to kill Velvet. Love claimed Burns offered her $5,000 to bring individuals to Velvet’s house to carry out the murder. Afterward, Burns promised additional payment from Velvet’s life insurance policy if the crime was successfully staged as a burglary.
On the morning of the murder, Burns allegedly left the rear door and gate open for Love and Hand to access the house. Police found these doors open at the crime scene. Both Love’s and Hand’s DNA were found, and Love’s phone records confirmed her presence during the murder. She told police she witnessed Hand stabbing Velvet and destroying the evidence.
Later that day, Burns contacted a neighbor to report that he hadn’t heard from Velvet and was concerned. The neighbor found Velvet’s body in the house, with blood everywhere. Burns initially claimed he had seen Velvet alive earlier. After Love cooperated with the authorities, Burns was arrested. He has been in jail since 2019 after waiving his right to a speedy trial.