Podcast Summary: Burden of Guilt
Episode: S1: Bonus EP 4 - The Burden of Truth: Tracyraquel’s Journey for Justice
Release Date: February 19, 2025

Introduction

In the fourth bonus episode of the first season of Burden of Guilt, host Nancy Glass engages in a profound and intimate conversation with Tracyraquel Burns. This episode delves deep into Tracyraquel’s relentless pursuit of the truth surrounding her baby brother Matthew’s death, her personal struggles following the release of the Paramount+ docuseries, and the intricate web of family dynamics and legal battles that have defined her four-decade-long quest for justice.

Life After the Docuseries Premiere

Tracyraquel’s Emotional Turmoil

Tracyraquel opens up about the overwhelming feelings she has experienced since the Burden of Guilt docuseries premiered on Paramount+. The sudden exposure has significantly altered her previously private life.

• Quote:
  "I didn't expect to feel so exposed. I think prior to all of this, if you had googled my name, nothing would have ever come up. You would have never seen a picture. And that, that's very much how I liked my life to be."
  (02:08)

Impact on Mental Health

She shares the emotional toll, including sleepless nights and trauma resurfacing from her childhood. Tracyraquel describes moments where she felt like retreating into herself but acknowledges the irrationality of such thoughts.

• Quote:
  "I have had sleepless nights and all of that is just trauma from my childhood and feeling vulnerable and afraid. I wanted to, you know, crawl into the corner of my closet and not come out."
  (02:30)

Relationship with Jan Barry Sandlin

Uncertainty About Her Biological Father

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Jan Barry Sandlin, the man accused of murdering Matthew and allegedly being Tracyraquel’s biological father. Tracyraquel expresses uncertainty and skepticism about her family's narrative.

• Quote:
  "We don't know that for sure. Yeah. I don't know who is my biological father."
  (04:23)

Ongoing Vigilance

Tracyraquel discusses her routine of visiting the Florida Department of Corrections twice a month to ensure Jan Sandlin remains incarcerated, highlighting her unwavering commitment to justice.

• Quote:
  "I go on Florida Department of Corrections twice a month to make sure he's still in prison... I know exactly what he looks like and I know exactly where he is."
  (05:02)

Communication with Ted Golder and His Sister

Ted Golder’s Paternity Test

Nancy Glass introduces an email from Ted Golder’s sister, Pam, detailing Ted’s tumultuous relationship with Tracyraquel’s mother, Kathy. The email provides insight into the complexities of Ted and Kathy’s marriage and the subsequent paternity test that revealed Tracyraquel was not Ted’s daughter.

• Quote:
  "He was excited to maybe be having grandchildren... but the test came back and you weren't his daughter."
  (09:34)

Tracyraquel’s Interaction with Pam

Tracyraquel recounts her phone conversation with Pam, where she learns more about Ted’s heartbreak and the hope he held onto despite knowing Tracyraquel was not his biological daughter.

• Quote:
  "Most of what she said in the letter is the same information that Ted had said to me when I was speaking to him in the early to mid-90s."
  (11:06)

Pam’s Revelations

Pam reveals previously unknown details about Kathy’s suicide attempts and the impact on the family, adding layers to the already complicated narrative.

• Quote:
  "She jumped off in front of you and not dying, but breaking both arms and both legs."
  (13:17)

Insights into Kathy and Family Dynamics

Kathy’s Alleged Affiliation with Jan Sandlin

The conversation uncovers Kathy’s deep-seated association with Jan Sandlin and the community’s suspicions about other unresolved homicides linked to him.

• Quote:
  "Kathy cheated on Ted with Jan, and even when she was married to Ted, she cheated on him with Jan."
  (12:14)

Community's Suspicion

Tracyraquel reflects on the broader implications of overlapping crimes in the region and the community’s belief that more justice was needed beyond Matthew’s case.

• Quote:
  "If you follow this story closely, it will become clear that the same system in 1970 through '72 that classified Matthew's death as an accident has failed to properly address other acts of violence that deserve attention."
  (24:22)

Decision to Participate in the Docuseries

Motivation Behind Sharing Her Story

Tracyraquel explains her profound need to honor Matthew’s memory and bring awareness to the pervasive issue of child abuse, both visible and hidden. She expresses her belief that full justice has yet to be served and her responsibility towards other victims’ families.

• Quote:
  "Matthew is a part of me, and it's important that I show my love for him. I believe that his remains laid in his little casket waiting for me, and I thank him so much for that."
  (24:22)

Personal Sacrifices

She candidly discusses the personal cost of her quest for justice, including public humiliation and the strain of repeated legal battles.

• Quote:
  "It was mass humiliation. Like it was just horrifying... I had to swallow my pride and go back in there and do it again."
  (26:01)

Concluding Reflections

Acknowledging Mistakes

Towards the end of the interview, Tracyraquel addresses her past actions, acknowledging that she violated court sequestration rules. She reflects on the repercussions of these actions and their impact on public perception.

• Quote:
  "Yes, I know I did that. Can we say that in the podcast? Can I say I did. I violated sequestration?"
  (25:53)

Final Thoughts

Tracyraquel emphasizes her resilience and unwavering commitment to seeking truth and justice, despite the challenges and mistakes along the way.

• Quote:
  "I am the kind of person that if you ask me not to do something, I'm not going to ever do it."
  (23:56)

Conclusion

This episode of Burden of Guilt offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into Tracyraquel Burns’ life, her enduring fight for justice, and the emotional complexities she navigates. Through heartfelt dialogue, Tracyraquel articulates her motivations, pain, and unwavering determination to uncover the truth behind her brother’s untimely death. The conversation not only sheds light on the specifics of her personal journey but also underscores broader themes of family, justice, and resilience.

For those seeking to understand the depths of Tracyraquel’s story and the intricate web of familial and legal battles she has faced, this episode serves as an essential companion to the Burden of Guilt docuseries available on Paramount+.

Available to watch HERE!

Streaming Information:
Ensure you have binged all episodes of the podcast that inspired the show before watching the docuseries for a comprehensive understanding of the narrative.