Patrick Tracy Burris
Spree Killing Case
CLASSIFICATION: Spree Killing
LOCATION
Cherokee County, South Carolina
TIME PERIOD
June 27 – July 3, 2009
VICTIMS
5 confirmed
Patrick Tracy Burris, an American spree killer, committed a series of five murders in Cherokee County, South Carolina, between June 27 and July 3, 2009. His first victim was Kline Cash, shot in his home in Gaffney, followed by the murders of 83-year-old Hazel Linder and her daughter Gena Linder Parker on July 1, and Stephen Tyler, who was killed in his store on July 2; Tyler's daughter, Abby, was also shot and succumbed to her injuries on July 4. Burris was shot and killed by police on July 6, 2009, during a confrontation in Dallas, North Carolina, where he was identified as a suspect; ballistics tests confirmed that the firearm he used matched the bullets from the murders. At the time of his death, Burris had a lengthy criminal history and was on probation for a prior offense.
Investigators and the public speculate that Burris's violent spree may have been influenced by his troubled past and criminal history, which included a lengthy record of offenses and a recent release from prison. Some believe that his unpredictable nature and mental state contributed to his sudden escalation in violence. There are also theories suggesting that Burris may have had a specific motive related to financial gain, given the nature of some of the crimes, such as the murder at the appliance store.
The Dark Path of Patrick Tracy Burris: A Spree Killer's End
In the summer of 2009, a series of brutal murders cast a shadow over Cherokee County, South Carolina. At the center of this terror was Patrick Tracy Burris, a man whose name would become synonymous with fear and violence. Born on August 8, 1967, in Maryland, Burris’s life would spiral into a nightmare in which he would take the lives of five innocent people over a span of just six days. His reign of terror ended as abruptly as it began, in a hail of gunfire on July 6, 2009, in Dallas, North Carolina.
A Life of Crime
Before his deadly spree, Patrick Tracy Burris was no stranger to the law. His criminal record stretched over 25 pages, marking a long history of offenses. He had recently completed an eight-year prison sentence and was released in April 2009. Neil Dolan, the deputy director of the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, described Burris succinctly: "He was unpredictable. He was scary. He was weird."
The Murders Begin
The horror commenced on June 27, 2009, in Gaffney, South Carolina. Burris’s first victim was Kline Cash, a 63-year-old peach farmer. Earlier that day, Cash and his wife had spoken with Burris about purchasing hay. After Mrs. Cash left for errands, Burris returned to the Cash home and shot Kline in his living room. Mrs. Cash found her husband’s lifeless body upon her return.
The violence escalated on July 1 when Burris murdered 83-year-old Hazel Linder and her 50-year-old daughter, Gena Linder Parker. The two women were found bound and shot to death, a chilling hallmark of Burris's method.
The next day, the carnage continued at an appliance and furniture store owned by Stephen Tyler. Burris killed 45-year-old Tyler and severely injured his 15-year-old daughter, Abby, who had rushed to check on her father. Tyler’s wife, older daughter, and an employee later discovered the grisly scene. Tragically, Abby succumbed to her injuries on July 4.
Authorities initially questioned Burris in connection with the murder of a 31-year-old nurse named Matt Stewart, but he was ultimately cleared of involvement in that case.
The Final Confrontation
On July 6, 2009, the trail of blood led officers to Dallas, North Carolina, a small town in Gaston County. The police were responding to a burglary in progress. Eyewitnesses had seen a vehicle matching Burris's Ford Explorer near an abandoned house. Upon their arrival, officers encountered Burris, who provided a false identity. However, Officer Kathryn Williamson quickly uncovered his true identity and his probation violation warrant.
Realizing the danger, Williamson, along with Officers Jim Shaw and Graham Kuzia, entered the house. As they attempted to arrest Burris, Officer Kuzia used a taser on him. In a desperate act, Burris pulled out a small handgun, injuring Officer Shaw in the upper thigh with a shot. The officers returned fire, ending Burris’s life.
Ballistics tests later confirmed that Burris's gun was used in the Cherokee County murders, sealing his identity as the killer. Investigators continued to probe whether Burris was responsible for other unsolved murders, expanding the web of his crimes.
Conclusion
The violent life and sudden death of Patrick Tracy Burris left a community grappling with the inexplicable nature of his crimes. His spree was marked by a brutal efficiency and randomness that defy comprehension. As the investigation into his life and potential further crimes continued, one thing was clear: the end of Burris’s spree brought a somber relief to a region haunted by his actions.
Sources
For a deeper dive into the events, you can visit the original Wikipedia article: Patrick Tracy Burris.
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First Murder Committed
Patrick Burris shoots and kills Kline Cash in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Two More Victims
Burris kills Hazel Linder and her daughter Gena Linder Parker.
Another Murder
Stephen Tyler is shot in his store; his daughter Abby is seriously injured.
Fifth Victim Dies
Abby Tyler succumbs to her injuries, marking the fifth murder linked to Burris.
Police Encounter
Police confront Burris during a burglary call; he gives a false name.
Burris Shot Dead
Burris is shot and killed by police during a shootout.
Ballistics Confirm
Ballistics tests link Burris's gun to the murders.
Patrick Tracy Burris, an American spree killer, committed a series of five murders in Cherokee County, South Carolina, between June 27 and July 3, 2009. His first victim was Kline Cash, shot in his home in Gaffney, followed by the murders of 83-year-old Hazel Linder and her daughter Gena Linder Parker on July 1, and Stephen Tyler, who was killed in his store on July 2; Tyler's daughter, Abby, was also shot and succumbed to her injuries on July 4. Burris was shot and killed by police on July 6, 2009, during a confrontation in Dallas, North Carolina, where he was identified as a suspect; ballistics tests confirmed that the firearm he used matched the bullets from the murders. At the time of his death, Burris had a lengthy criminal history and was on probation for a prior offense.
Investigators and the public speculate that Burris's violent spree may have been influenced by his troubled past and criminal history, which included a lengthy record of offenses and a recent release from prison. Some believe that his unpredictable nature and mental state contributed to his sudden escalation in violence. There are also theories suggesting that Burris may have had a specific motive related to financial gain, given the nature of some of the crimes, such as the murder at the appliance store.
The Dark Path of Patrick Tracy Burris: A Spree Killer's End
In the summer of 2009, a series of brutal murders cast a shadow over Cherokee County, South Carolina. At the center of this terror was Patrick Tracy Burris, a man whose name would become synonymous with fear and violence. Born on August 8, 1967, in Maryland, Burris’s life would spiral into a nightmare in which he would take the lives of five innocent people over a span of just six days. His reign of terror ended as abruptly as it began, in a hail of gunfire on July 6, 2009, in Dallas, North Carolina.
A Life of Crime
Before his deadly spree, Patrick Tracy Burris was no stranger to the law. His criminal record stretched over 25 pages, marking a long history of offenses. He had recently completed an eight-year prison sentence and was released in April 2009. Neil Dolan, the deputy director of the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, described Burris succinctly: "He was unpredictable. He was scary. He was weird."
The Murders Begin
The horror commenced on June 27, 2009, in Gaffney, South Carolina. Burris’s first victim was Kline Cash, a 63-year-old peach farmer. Earlier that day, Cash and his wife had spoken with Burris about purchasing hay. After Mrs. Cash left for errands, Burris returned to the Cash home and shot Kline in his living room. Mrs. Cash found her husband’s lifeless body upon her return.
The violence escalated on July 1 when Burris murdered 83-year-old Hazel Linder and her 50-year-old daughter, Gena Linder Parker. The two women were found bound and shot to death, a chilling hallmark of Burris's method.
The next day, the carnage continued at an appliance and furniture store owned by Stephen Tyler. Burris killed 45-year-old Tyler and severely injured his 15-year-old daughter, Abby, who had rushed to check on her father. Tyler’s wife, older daughter, and an employee later discovered the grisly scene. Tragically, Abby succumbed to her injuries on July 4.
Authorities initially questioned Burris in connection with the murder of a 31-year-old nurse named Matt Stewart, but he was ultimately cleared of involvement in that case.
The Final Confrontation
On July 6, 2009, the trail of blood led officers to Dallas, North Carolina, a small town in Gaston County. The police were responding to a burglary in progress. Eyewitnesses had seen a vehicle matching Burris's Ford Explorer near an abandoned house. Upon their arrival, officers encountered Burris, who provided a false identity. However, Officer Kathryn Williamson quickly uncovered his true identity and his probation violation warrant.
Realizing the danger, Williamson, along with Officers Jim Shaw and Graham Kuzia, entered the house. As they attempted to arrest Burris, Officer Kuzia used a taser on him. In a desperate act, Burris pulled out a small handgun, injuring Officer Shaw in the upper thigh with a shot. The officers returned fire, ending Burris’s life.
Ballistics tests later confirmed that Burris's gun was used in the Cherokee County murders, sealing his identity as the killer. Investigators continued to probe whether Burris was responsible for other unsolved murders, expanding the web of his crimes.
Conclusion
The violent life and sudden death of Patrick Tracy Burris left a community grappling with the inexplicable nature of his crimes. His spree was marked by a brutal efficiency and randomness that defy comprehension. As the investigation into his life and potential further crimes continued, one thing was clear: the end of Burris’s spree brought a somber relief to a region haunted by his actions.
Sources
For a deeper dive into the events, you can visit the original Wikipedia article: Patrick Tracy Burris.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder Committed
Patrick Burris shoots and kills Kline Cash in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Two More Victims
Burris kills Hazel Linder and her daughter Gena Linder Parker.
Another Murder
Stephen Tyler is shot in his store; his daughter Abby is seriously injured.
Fifth Victim Dies
Abby Tyler succumbs to her injuries, marking the fifth murder linked to Burris.
Police Encounter
Police confront Burris during a burglary call; he gives a false name.
Burris Shot Dead
Burris is shot and killed by police during a shootout.
Ballistics Confirm
Ballistics tests link Burris's gun to the murders.