Suspicious Death in Wolfeboro

[ApS]

The "buzz" around Wolfeboro is the convening of a Grand Jury. (Usually the sign of a weak case).

[Yosemite Sam]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

The "buzz" around Wolfeboro is the convening of a Grand Jury. (Usually the sign of a weak case).

In this Thursdays Granite State News there is an article stating that a "Grand jury hears testimony in Burns murder case".

Below is that article:

"Grand jury hears testimony in Burns murder case
BY ELISSA PAQUETTE Staff Writer
OSSIPEE — New Hampshire
Senior Assistant Attorney General Jeff Strelzin made an appearance in the Superior Court for Southern Carroll County in Ossipee before the grand jury on Nov. 13 to question Jamie Vittum of Wolfeboro, in connection with the investigation of the May 10 murder of Stacey Burns. For those anxiously awaiting an arrest of the murderer, there is no news yet on that front, but the court action is a sign that work is in progress. When questioned on the court appearance, Strelzin maintained silence on specifics of the case – as he has all along – but did say that his office and the NH State Police Major Crimes Unit, along with the Wolfeboro Police Department “continue to work hard” on the investigation.
A witness subpoenaed to appear before the grand jury in an investigative matter is sworn to tell the truth or risk perjury charges if that testimony is shown to be false in a subsequent jury trial. Last June, Vittum testified on behalf of her ex-husband, Jim Vittum, when a restraining order against him was sought by Stacey Burns’ ex-husband Ed Burns for stalking. The court denied Burns’ petition. Jim Vittum has stated publicly that he was a friend of Stacey Burns and her boyfriend for about a year until a month before her death. Strelzin has not named any suspects and continues to refrain from offering a timeline for resolution of the case."

[capngary]

It looks like Jeff is just trying to do "something."

SIX months have gone by and the case gets staler by the day! What's next, Jeff, a PSYCHIC????????????????????

JOHN WALSH.... C'MOOOOOOON DOOOOOOOOOOWN!

[breathe easy]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

The "buzz" around Wolfeboro is the convening of a Grand Jury. (Usually the sign of a weak case).

Lot's of people have gone to prison after grand jury indictments.....

[capngary]

Originally Posted by breathe easy

Lot's of people have gone to prison after grand jury indictments.....

So far... Just CONVENED...

One might have hoped that by THANKSGIVING this MOTHER'S DAY murder could have been solved...

"If you would like to have a case considered for the show, please send all facts to:

America's Most Wanted
PO Box Crime TV
Washington DC 20016

Please make sure to note whether there is a known fugitive charged with the crime, or whether the perpetrator is yet to be identified. If charges have been filed, please note the police agency that filed the charges. It is also helpful to let us know what photos and/or video are available of the victim and the fugitive."

[Mr. V]

I am pretty sure the cops know who did it, but they are concerned about compiling the necessary degree of proof, proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

I am surprised they don't have DNA, hair and fiber, or finger print evidence sufficient to support a charge.

Who wears gloves to a crime of passion?

[Mink Islander]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

Who wears gloves to a crime of passion?

Uh, OJ Simpson? Oh that's right, he didn't do it. LOL.

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by Mink Islander

Uh, OJ Simpson? Oh that's right, he didn't do it. LOL.

OJ did not murder in the heat of passion.

He killed in a calculated manner; that's why he wore gloves.

Maybe the same thing here?

We'll find out eventually.

[riverat]

http://http://fosters.com/apps/pbcs....S_01/712089937
http://http://fosters.com/apps/pbcs....S_01/712089945

[email protected]

[Greene's Basin Girl]

Originally Posted by riverat

http://http://fosters.com/apps/pbcs....S_01/712089937
http://http://fosters.com/apps/pbcs....S_01/712089945

[email protected]

Monday evening on the WMUR newscast they talked about the most recent cold case. It was long before the suspicious death in Wolfeboro. I was surprised that the Wolfeboro case was not mentioned as the most recent unsolved murder.

[capngary]

It's NOT a cold case, just cool...

Please don't forget the Burns' Kids! They won't be able to spend the holidays with their Mom. Send a little cheer their way!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

[chowda]

Any news on the grand jury? It seems as if any investigation has stopped completely. Pathetic. All these supposed "big leads" and pointing the finger at one person in particular, you think they would have done something about it by now. Makes you wonder if they were after the wrong individual the whole time after all. Again, PATHETIC.

[Mr. V]

It's been nine months since the Burns murder, and still ... nada.

The wheels of justice seem to turn awfully slowly at times.

[chowda]

Where is John Walsh?!?! In all seriousness Capn G, do what you've got to do. Just get him up here! John Walsh, Nancy Grace, whoever that can get some answers. Are we really getting that close to a year without this being resolved? Is it really true that evidence was botched/lost? Come on! There has got to be somebody out there that knows or heard something since then. We all need to start calling Concord and get them going on this again.

[SAMIAM]

Local and state pd should be ashamed......only a very few people could have done this crime.....meanwhile....an innocent person is twisting in the wind while the guilty one is enjoying their freedom.

[Mr. V]

I too am puzzled at the lack of an arrest.

The killer either got very lucky or was very methodical in planning, as one would think an arrest would follow based on fingerprints, DNA, hair and fiber or the like.

While I suppose the cops investigating it could be incompetent, I prefer not to think so; rather, I suspect a lack of evidence to date.

Once you charge a person with murder, the accused has a constitutional right to a speedy trial, and if the evidence is weak, the defense attorney will probably not waive it.

Why arrest someone only to have them walk due to lack of evidence?

Keep digging, keep investigating til they get it right, then arrest.

And if for whatever reason insufficient evidence is found, well, where do you think the expression "got away with murder" originated?

[chowda]

I think the police might have hit a brick wall because they were going in the direction of just one person the whole time. Like SAMIAM said, letting the guilty one enjoy their freedom and leaving the innocent one twisting in the wind. I still think the police might not have given enough consideration to the possibility of having been the previously mentioned female. Most everybody in town knows she was both mean and unhinged enough. Well worth looking into in my book. It doesn't seem that they have gotten too far with their previous inquiries. I'm sure it made the investigation difficult having more than one "person of interest", so I'll leave it at that.

[capngary]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Local and state pd should be ashamed......only a very few people could have done this crime.....meanwhile....an innocent person is twisting in the wind while the guilty one is enjoying their freedom.

And we ALL know whom that innocent person is! His life has been ruined. He is unable to work to support his FIVE children until this case is solved! So... It has been almost a YEAR! I'll be getting back with Mr. Walsh on the "anniversary" date!

I really can't think of any crime worthy of investigating more than this one. Mother's Day!

[jlynn]

Originally Posted by capngary

And we ALL know whom that innocent person is! His life has been ruined. He is unable to work to support his FIVE children until this case is solved! So... It has been almost a YEAR! I'll be getting back with Mr. Walsh on the "anniversary" date!

I really can't think of any crime worthy of investigating more than this one. Mother's Day!

No mention of the fact that he did not work 2 years prior to his ex wife's death (and was $6000.00 behind on his child support and due to go to court the day after her death) or the fact that he has had no license due to a second offense DWI. His life is ruined? I am a firm believer in "what goes around comes around". He made a beautiful persons life miserable for years. Now he's getting his just rewards.

[PennyPenny]

Originally Posted by jlynn

No mention of the fact that he did not work 2 years prior to his ex wife's death (and was $6000.00 behind on his child support and due to go to court the day after her death) or the fact that he has had no license due to a second offense DWI. His life is ruined? I am a firm believer in "what goes around comes around". He made a beautiful persons life miserable for years. Now he's getting his just rewards.

My ex has worked off and on for several years and owes over $45,000 in back child support. He has no license because of DWI'S, back taxes etc. I am still alive so far. My ex made our lives miserable for years as well. I think there is another person with a few answers possibly. Do the initials E.T. ring a bell with anyone? CREEPY man. Disclaimer no names mentioned.

[gokart-mozart]

First of all, let me say I didn't know Mrs. Burns, I don't know Mr. Burns, and I don't know any of the suspects that are constantly being bandied about.

Of course, in a game of "whodunit" it would always be the ex-husband. This would be true even if there were no factors, as there apparently are in this case, which would tend to incriminate him.

Therefore, the fact that he has not been arrested, the fact that no excuse has been found to prevent him from having custody of his children, and the fact that a few subsequent (alleged) encounters with law enforcement have not resulted in an arrest suggest to me that the Major Crime Unit is looking elsewhere, probably with good reason.

Mr. Vittum has been named in the media as a possible suspect, and it is public record that Mrs. Vittum testified before a Grand Jury last fall. I suspect that, if there were ANY physical evidence tying him to her on the night of the murder that the State would already have taken the easy way out and indicted and tried him. When you look at the stories of people wrongly convicted of murder, most of them have had similar stories to the one Mr. Vittum himself told in his newspaper interview, so I have to believe that, as with Mr. Burns himself, the State has good reasons to look elsewhere.

The other "suspects" are all, as far as I know, "rumor only", so I won't name any of them. On several occasions, news stories about meetings hosted by the DA have mentioned those present as "State Police, WPD, DA's office, and 'other persons not named' ". There is a persistent rumor that these "other persons not named" are Federal LEOs. A Federal presence in this case, if true, would imply that the "local jealous man" story is not the direction that the DA is taking this case.

I certainly hope, for everyone's sake, that the DA at least gives a progress report soon, and for all of you who knew Mrs. Burns, I'm very sorry that you lost such a good friend.

[tis]

I am not standing up for anyone, but it is my understanding that Ed is a retired Merchant Marine and I guess that they make pretty good money so maybe he doesn't need to work. I also agree it seems that if they had an idea that he was the guilty one, that they would not let him have custody of the kids all this time. Maybe I am wrong.

[gokart-mozart]

Originally Posted by tis

I am not standing up for anyone, but it is my understanding that Ed is a retired Merchant Marine and I guess that they make pretty good money so maybe he doesn't need to work. I also agree it seems that if they had an idea that he was the guilty one, that they would not let him have custody of the kids all this time. Maybe I am wrong.

No, I think that's quite right.

I've been through "the system", so that no doubt colors my opinions. If everything that had ever been said about me in motions and orders, or by a hostile lawyer, were printed in the newspapers, my neighbors would have got up a lynch mob.

DYS and the other elements of "the system" exercise enormous and largely unreviewable powers, sometimes for good, sometimes not so much.

If the DA had a shred of evidence, or even reasonable suspicion, that Mr. Burns were guilty, the State would separate his children from him in the blink of an eye. I have assumed from Day One that he MUST either have a bulletproof alibi OR there must be physical evidence which would exonerate him.

Even IF "the system" were inclined to give fathers a break (absurd), just the agony those children would endure were their father to be arrested now would be enough reason to disallow this custodial arrangement.

For whatever reason, I think the State knows he's innocent.

[jlynn]

Originally Posted by capngary

And we ALL know whom that innocent person is! His life has been ruined. He is unable to work to support his FIVE children until this case is solved! So... It has been almost a YEAR! I'll be getting back with Mr. Walsh on the "anniversary" date!

I really can't think of any crime worthy of investigating more than this one. Mother's Day!

And by the way, not "ALL" people know who the innocent person is. Speak for yourself!

[chowda]

At this point nobody is getting "just rewards" the way I see it. Lifetime in prison will be the minimal "reward" there.

[Merlin's Moon]

Is New Hampshire the place you should come to commit murder? Let's see a beautiful, peaceful resort area who has not had a homicide in 29-30 years? and the State Clunkhead Police cant get an arrest let alone a conviction on a man who still enjoys the freedom he stole in a detestable way from the mother of five children? Swat team has been called to the house in the past because "father" just cant keep his stuff together 23 hours out of 24. But then we have Jim Vittum who has muchly enjoyed his "celebrity" in this macabre little thing he has going, trying to "assist" the police, by his own words "he is right in the middle of it" also he crows about failing his lie detector test, secret hallways in the Burns home and very much exaggerates his involvement with Stacey Burns. This is not the first death with mysterious overtones Mr.Vittum has been on the edges of. Many years ago. What kind of D.A. has to have more,more,more to make an arrest,convene a grand jury whatever they do? Does he/she need a video of the actual murder before he/she feels secure enough to send this monster to prison for the rest of his miserable life?BTW -despicable as Ed Burns is? He did not do this. Stacey's poor children suffer everyday of their life with this set of "circumstances" - the heroic citizens of Wolfeboro have done so much to support these children, may God bless each and everyone of you. But Please do not forget Justice for Stacey,Michael,Shannon,Kelly,Madison and Morgan. God Bless You

[Heaven]

I have been curious but afraid to ask, as it is none of my business, but the move out of town in the middle of the school year (and leaving friends etc) , , , speculation as to if that was something the kids wanted to do (maybe be out of that house come mother's day?), or, not?

[jlynn]

Originally Posted by Merlin's Moon

Is New Hampshire the place you should come to commit murder? Let's see a beautiful, peaceful resort area who has not had a homicide in 29-30 years? and the State Clunkhead Police cant get an arrest let alone a conviction on a man who still enjoys the freedom he stole in a detestable way from the mother of five children? Swat team has been called to the house in the past because "father" just cant keep his stuff together 23 hours out of 24. But then we have Jim Vittum who has muchly enjoyed his "celebrity" in this macabre little thing he has going, trying to "assist" the police, by his own words "he is right in the middle of it" also he crows about failing his lie detector test, secret hallways in the Burns home and very much exaggerates his involvement with Stacey Burns. This is not the first death with mysterious overtones Mr.Vittum has been on the edges of. Many years ago. What kind of D.A. has to have more,more,more to make an arrest,convene a grand jury whatever they do? Does he/she need a video of the actual murder before he/she feels secure enough to send this monster to prison for the rest of his miserable life?BTW -despicable as Ed Burns is? He did not do this. Stacey's poor children suffer everyday of their life with this set of "circumstances" - the heroic citizens of Wolfeboro have done so much to support these children, may God bless each and everyone of you. But Please do not forget Justice for Stacey,Michael,Shannon,Kelly,Madison and Morgan. God Bless You

Merlin, You are true idiot! Get your facts straight before saying something so assanine as "Mr. Vittum was on the edges of a mysterious death". It's people like you that start RIDICULOUS rumors about hurtful things that you don't know anything about! Shame on you!!!! Your as sick as your "innocent Mr. Burns". I'm so glad that your so sure that Ed did not do this. Your are one of the few. Read the May 14th 2009 article. Staceys words from her grave. If you knew the situation AT ALL you would know that Stacey had been fearful for a long time that Ed would kill her. He said he would and I and MANY others believe that he followed through with it. The only inteliigent thing that you said here was not to forget justice for Stacey. The most painful thing for the kids is losing a beautiful, wonderful Mother. The second painful thing is that they now have to live their lives with an abusive, angry alcoholic father. As for Mr. Vittum enjoying celebrity and exaggerating his involvement with Stacey? Are you crazy? (no need to respond to that). I reiterate, your an Idiot. Thankfully the majority of people who know the truth, Staceys closet friends, people who know the facts, back Mr. Vittum 100%.

[jlynn]

Originally Posted by Merlin's Moon

Is New Hampshire the place you should come to commit murder? Let's see a beautiful, peaceful resort area who has not had a homicide in 29-30 years? and the State Clunkhead Police cant get an arrest let alone a conviction on a man who still enjoys the freedom he stole in a detestable way from the mother of five children? Swat team has been called to the house in the past because "father" just cant keep his stuff together 23 hours out of 24. But then we have Jim Vittum who has muchly enjoyed his "celebrity" in this macabre little thing he has going, trying to "assist" the police, by his own words "he is right in the middle of it" also he crows about failing his lie detector test, secret hallways in the Burns home and very much exaggerates his involvement with Stacey Burns. This is not the first death with mysterious overtones Mr.Vittum has been on the edges of. Many years ago. What kind of D.A. has to have more,more,more to make an arrest,convene a grand jury whatever they do? Does he/she need a video of the actual murder before he/she feels secure enough to send this monster to prison for the rest of his miserable life?BTW -despicable as Ed Burns is? He did not do this. Stacey's poor children suffer everyday of their life with this set of "circumstances" - the heroic citizens of Wolfeboro have done so much to support these children, may God bless each and everyone of you. But Please do not forget Justice for Stacey,Michael,Shannon,Kelly,Madison and Morgan. God Bless You

By the way, Mr. Vittum did not "crow" over failing a lie detectors test. He stated that he was told he failed it (which is what the police do regardless of the outcome, read up on polygraphs and why they are not admissible in court). What makes you so sure that Mr. Burns did not do this crime? To know that you had to have been there or you did it yourself.....hmmmmmm If I were you I would be very careful about my accusations for fear that I would end up in court for slander. Yeah, the heroic people of Wolfeboro have done so much to "support" these children and not just emotionally. Hey, I have an idea, why doesn't Ed get a job? Theres a thought.

[jmen24]

How about this personal argument gets taken somewhere else. You both signed up this month and it is quite apparent that this is your only intention for being here.

You are both making very slanderous accusations toward other people and each other. Throw your stones somewhere else.

[capngary]

Originally Posted by jlynn

By the way, Mr. Vittum did not "crow" over failing a lie detectors test. He stated that he was told he failed it (which is what the police do regardless of the outcome, read up on polygraphs and why they are not admissible in court). What makes you so sure that Mr. Burns did not do this crime? To know that you had to have been there or you did it yourself.....hmmmmmm If I were you I would be very careful about my accusations for fear that I would end up in court for slander. Yeah, the heroic people of Wolfeboro have done so much to "support" these children and not just emotionally. Hey, I have an idea, why doesn't Ed get a job? Theres a thought.

It's libel, not slander...

Ed has a job...

Perhaps as a inlaw of Ed's you would like to coment on Stacey's Uncle...

[fatlazyless]

With all these posts this has probably been mentioned before but here's my two cents.


900-lbs of marijuana is worth a lot of money, and getting stopped on an interstate highway in the winter time in the Chicago, Illinois area for going 70-mph in a 65-mph speed zone seems unusual. Also, for the arresting officer who made the stop to be able to smell the odor of marijuana which presumably was wrapped, duffled, and carried in the cargo area of a full size pickup truck underneath a fiberglass tuneau cover also seems unusual.

Could it be that the police were aware of the vehicle before it was stopped, supposedly for speeding, and that the murder was retribution from a drug dealer, angry for his loss, because a cause & effect connection was real in his mind?

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

With all these posts this has probably been mentioned before but here's my two cents.


900-lbs of marijuana is worth a lot of money, and getting stopped on an interstate highway in the winter time in the Chicago, Illinois area for going 70-mph in a 65-mph speed zone seems unusual. Also, for the arresting officer who made the stop to be able to smell the odor of marijuana which presumably was wrapped, duffled, and carried in the cargo area of a full size pickup truck underneath a fiberglass tuneau cover also seems unusual.

Could it be that the police were aware of the vehicle before it was stopped, supposedly for speeding, and that the murder was retribution from a drug dealer, angry for his loss, because a cause & effect connection was real in his mind?

Doubtful.

I-94, which runs East/West through Michigan and Illinois is the primary drug corridor in that region (I grew up in the Detroit 'burbs). The police do a lot of "profiling" of vehicles and have gotten pretty good at picking out the mules. One of the main things that is a giveaway is a vehicle doing exactly 5 over on a roadway that usually has people doing 15-25 over for long stretches. Couple that with suspension sag and/or lack of suspension travel (from a beefed up undercarriage) on a road that is filled with potholes, and you have a high probability of a mule vehicle.

It doesn't take any "anonymous tips" to pick these vehicles off.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

Doubtful. The police do a lot of "profiling" of vehicles and have gotten pretty good at picking out the mules.

It doesn't take any "anonymous tips" to pick these vehicles off.

Probably, I have seen too many police stories on the tv boob tube, but whatcha think about this possibility?

It was a full-sized, late model, big money Chevy pickup, so couldn't the police have been track'n it by gps with its' GM On-Star service and just used the excess 5-mph for an excuse to stop, and then used the supposed 'strong odor' as a reasonable cause to search the vehicle?

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Probably, I have seen too many police stories on the tv boob tube, but whatcha think about this possibility?

It was a full-sized, late model, big money Chevy pickup, so couldn't the police have been track'n it by gps with its' GM On-Star service and just used the excess 5-mph for an excuse to stop, and then used the supposed 'strong odor' as a reasonable cause to search the vehicle?

No.

Go refold your tinfoil hat. They are getting to you.