Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Information on Woman Found Deceased 16 Years Ago
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has successfully identified the skeletal remains of a woman discovered in 2007 as Jeana Lynn Burrus, who was 39 years old when she died. Law enforcement is now requesting assistance from individuals who were acquainted with Jeana or her husband, James Burrus, as he is considered a person of interest in her death.
Jeana’s remains were uncovered in a shallow grave located in a wooded area near Ashton Court in Sarasota on February 6, 2007. The case had gone unresolved until last November when a significant breakthrough transpired through the utilization of DNA advancements in testing and genetic genealogy. These methods enabled authorities to confidently establish Jeana’s identity.
At the time of her passing, Jeana resided with her spouse and their son on Pauline Avenue in Sarasota. While James Burrus was employed at a local automotive repair shop on Sarah Avenue, Jeana was without employment. Their son attended Gulf Gate Elementary School.
Curiously, despite her sudden absence, Jeana’s family did not report her missing, augmenting the complexity of the investigation. Prior to their residence in Sarasota, Jeana and James lived in Citrus County, Florida, as well as Frederick, Maryland.
Law enforcement officials are currently appealing to anyone with information regarding Jeana Lynn Burrus or her husband, James Burrus, to step forward and aid in the ongoing inquiry into this long-standing unsolved case.
