American Homicide: S1:E15 – The Disappearance of Danny Burroughs, Part 2

Release Date: January 30, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts
Description: American Homicide delves into mysterious and iconic murder cases across America, intertwining each crime with its unique setting. Journalist Sloane Glass guides listeners through each case with interviews from victims' families and investigators.

Introduction

In the fifteenth episode of the first season, American Homicide continues the harrowing investigation into the disappearance and eventual murder of Danny Burrows. This episode, titled “The Disappearance of Danny Burroughs, Part 2,” uncovers the dark truths behind a seemingly ordinary family unraveling into a nightmare.

The Disappearance of Danny Burrows

Danny Burrows, a beloved Boy Scout leader, husband, and father, vanished from his home in Maize Landing, New Jersey, in August 2007. Initially, his wife Loretta Burrows claimed Danny had run off with another woman, a waitress from a restaurant they frequented during vacations. However, suspicions lingered among family and neighbors who found Loretta's story inconsistent.

[01:36] Maria Tremarke: "When Danny Burrows disappeared from his home in Maize Landing, New Jersey, his wife Loretta said he ran off with another woman... But not everyone bought Loretta's story."

Investigation and the Discovery

Six years after Danny’s disappearance, in May 2013, investigators acted on a tip suggesting Loretta had forged legal documents. This led to simultaneous search warrants at Loretta’s New Jersey home and her sister’s residence, where she had been staying.

[02:13] Sergeant Caroline McDonald: "When we entered the house, we were all shocked. I think it was the last thing we expected, honestly."

During the search, Sergeant McDonald and her team made a chilling discovery in Loretta’s impeccably maintained bedroom closet. Hidden beneath layers of plastic garbage bags and concealed within Tupperware containers were remnants of Danny’s decomposed body.

[05:17] Sergeant Caroline McDonald: "She was the only items in the house that appeared to be concealed in a strange way."

The stench of decomposition forced the team to halt, only to receive a phone call confirming they had found Danny's body within the house.

[06:16] Sergeant Caroline McDonald: "We were going to find Daniel's body inside the house."

Loretta Burrows' Confession

As detectives probed further, Loretta was questioned and confessed to stabbing Danny during an argument in 2007, claiming self-defense. However, inconsistencies in her story raised red flags among investigators.

[07:16] Maria Tremarke: "Loretta said she killed Danny, but it was in self-defense."

One critical inconsistency was Danny's recovery from shoulder surgery at the time of the supposed attack, making Loretta’s narrative implausible.

[07:55] Detective Lynn Docherty: "That doesn't mean he couldn't throw her on the bed... It didn't add up."

Loretta admitted to storing Danny’s body in various containers and moving them between residences to conceal her crime.

[10:31] Detective Lynn Docherty: "We asked her, like, how did you put his body into a rubber bag container? She'll go, I just, like, pushed it in."

The Trial

The trial, presided over by Judge Mike Donio, was a pivotal moment in the case. Prosecutor Seth Levy aimed to dismantle Loretta’s façade of a loving grandmother and reveal her as a cold-blooded murderer.

[20:39] Prosecutor Seth Levy: "She's one of the few that I would say is the closest thing or potentially to a psychopath that I've ever met."

Notably, Judge Donio disallowed Loretta’s initial confession, compelling the prosecution to rely on concrete evidence and Loretta’s deceptive actions over the years.

[21:07] Maria Tremarke: "The voice you are hearing here is Judge Mike Donio... It's incredible to get his perspective."

Verdict and Sentencing

After presenting graphic photographic evidence of Danny’s decomposition and highlighting Loretta’s manipulative behavior, the jury convicted Loretta Burrows of murder and hindering apprehension in a swift two-hour deliberation.

[27:39] Maria Tremarke: "Loretta Burrows never took the witness stand. But... her range of facial expressions were on full display during the trial."

Loretta was sentenced to 55 years in prison, ensuring she would never be eligible for parole.

[39:17] Judge Mike Donio: "Mrs. Burroughs will spend the rest of her life in prison. So to that extent, justice was served."

Impact on the Family

Danny’s brother, Ray, endured profound emotional trauma, recounting years of uncertainty and the ultimate horror of discovering his brother’s remains.

[32:10] Nancy Grace: "There’s no way is the real killer rightly behind bars or still walking free."

Ray's victim impact statement highlighted the relentless anguish and the quest for justice that sustained him through the ordeal.

[33:04] Ray Burrows: "For many years the murderer was enjoying life again. I was taken back to August 2000, 2007 and the several times I visited my brother's home, listening to the monster's made up stories."

Conclusion

The episode culminates with Loretta Burrows’ conviction, bringing a semblance of closure to Danny Burrows' family after years of uncertainty and pain. The case underscores the devastating impact of deceit and the relentless pursuit of truth by those seeking justice.

[37:20] Holly Fry: "I stand before you today... I'm ready to accept the responsibility."

Next Episode Preview: American Homicide will next explore a carjacking gone wrong in Atlantic City, delving into the deeper layers of this seemingly straightforward crime.

Notable Quotes:

• Sergeant Caroline McDonald ([02:13] - [06:16]): Detailed initial shock and the discovery of Danny’s body in deceptive concealment.
• Prosecutor Seth Levy ([20:39], [21:58], [25:59]): Described Loretta’s dual nature and strategic prosecution plan.
• Judge Mike Donio ([21:31] - [39:49]): Provided judicial perspectives on the trial and sentencing, emphasizing severity and justice.
• Ray Burrows ([33:04], [35:07]): Expressed the deep emotional toll and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Final Thoughts:

American Homicide masterfully navigates the intricate layers of the Danny Burrows case, blending investigative depth with personal testimonies to present a compelling narrative. This episode not only chronicles the uncovering of a heinous crime but also highlights the enduring pain and resilience of those left behind.

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