MURDER
CASE #: 2011-47
Sara Burke
Status:
Open
Date of Offense:
Date of Offense:
Jurisdiction:
Offense Location:
Bremerton, Washington
Reward:
up to $10,000
via Bremerton Police Department
Not from STC, Conditions and restrictions apply
Summary:
Sara Burke was 19 years old when she was stabbed to death along one of the busiest streets in Bremerton in 2011. Sara Burke was murdered on May 3, 2011, around 9:30 p.m. in the 800 block of Warren Avenue in Bremerton. Police haven't been able to determine a motive for her murder and no suspect has been identified.
Vital Statistics
Circumstances of Offense:
Sara was 19 years old when she was stabbed to death while walking to her boyfriend's house in May 2011. "She was just like anybody her age, she was texting on her telephone, and heading to her boyfriend's house," said Bremerton Police Detective Martin Garland. Neighbors reported hearing an argument and screams around 9:30 p.m. The police later discovered Burke's body on the sidewalk on Warren Avenue. And the person that she encountered that night, took her life by means of a single stab wound to the neck.
Additional Details:
Police have a theory and think a serial killer may be to blame. The Bremerton Police Department believes that a serial killer may be responsible for her murder. On June 20, 2011, a 50-year-old Bremerton man survived a knife attack that occurred as he walked on Burwell Street near High Avenue. After Sara's murder, 61-year-old Melody Brannon was stabbed to death on the front porch of her own home at 1300 High Avenue on Feb. 3, 2012, exactly nine months after Sara was killed. The man was able to provide detectives with new information on the suspect's appearance, which led to an updated composite sketch. Detective Martin Garland shows the most recent composite sketch of who they think killed Sara Burke. Garland said the short time frame, close location and similar M.O. are all factors that helped police connect the three cases quickly. The person of interest developed in early 2013. They had a person of interest and a specially formed team of investigators focusing on the case that included every detective on the force, the FBI, the Kitsap Sheriff's Department, the Poulsbo Police Department and the state Attorney General's Office. While this possibility has not been ruled out, investigators have since announced that they do not believe Sara and Melody were killed by the same person. Sara's murder remains unsolved. Images taken by a red-light camera were used in a police investigation of the 2011 stabbing death of Sara Burke. Two months before her death, she penned a short story titled "A Lesson in Life." It reveals her wisdom and kindness, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and appreciating every moment. The Burke family believes that these words reflect the person Sara was, and they continue to honor her memory.
Case Last Updated:
Timeline of Events
The person of interest developed in early 2013.
61-year-old Melody Brannon was stabbed to death on the front porch of her own home at 1300 High Avenue on Feb. 3, 2012, exactly nine months after Sara was killed.
On June 20, 2011, a male was attacked near Burwell Street and High Avenue.
Sara Burke was murdered on May 3, 2011, around 9:30 p.m. in the 800 block of Warren Avenue in Bremerton.
Associated Persons
Christopher B. (Sibling) - Living
Patrick B. (Sibling) - Living
Chester B. (Father) - Living
Brandi H. (Sibling) - Living
Melody B. (Victim of possibly related murder) - Deceased
Kenneth C. (Victim of related attack) - Living
Summer B. (Sibling) - Living
Mona T. (Aunt) - Living
DeNae B. (Mother) - Living
Unknown U. (Person of Interest) - Living
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