Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode Summary: Barbara Burns

Podcast Title: Snapped: Women Who Murder
Host/Author: Oxygen
Episode Focus: Barbara Burns

Introduction to the Case

The episode delves into the harrowing story of Barbara Burns, a woman whose life as the sole caretaker for her sister, Debbie Burns, spiraled into tragedy. Barbara's unwavering dedication to her sister, combined with unforeseen financial inheritance and escalating familial tensions, culminated in the unspeakable act of murdering her sister.

Background: Barbara and Debbie Burns

Barbara Burns was born on June 4, 1951, in Maryland, the third of five children in a blue-collar family. Growing up near Washington D.C., Barbara's early life was marked by joy, family vacations to Virginia Beach, and the responsibilities that came with caring for her youngest sister, Debbie.

Debbie Burns, born in 1964, faced significant health challenges from a young age. Contracting scarlet fever at two, Debbie suffered extensive brain and neurological damage, leaving her learning-disabled and dependent on Barbara. This early responsibility thrust Barbara into adulthood prematurely, sacrificing her education and personal life to become Debbie's nurse and primary caregiver.

[09:06] Witness: "Debbie suffered a bunch of brain damage and neurological damage and became learning disabled to the point that she never really matured beyond a six-year-old."

The Inheritance and Changing Fortunes

In 1981, with older siblings moving out, Barbara and her mother relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida. Barbara juggled multiple minimum-wage jobs to support her family, a role she fulfilled diligently for nearly two decades. The family endured further loss when Barbara's mother and brother, John, passed away, leaving Barbara and Debbie with a substantial inheritance of $350,000 for Debbie's care.

This unexpected financial windfall transformed their lives. Barbara quit her job, and the sisters indulged in lavish lifestyles, traveling internationally and purchasing a new mobile home. However, the sudden influx of money also exposed cracks in their relationship.

[12:19] Coroner: "Barbara quit her job, and they began taking lavish trips. All of a sudden, they're traveling to California, and they're traveling to Australia and taking a tour all around."

Discovery of the Murder

On October 2004, the inheritance dwindled, leading to financial strain. By May 2005, investigators discovered the decomposed remains of 40-year-old Debbie Burns in their foreclosed home on Yellow Pine Drive, St. Petersburg, Florida. The body, wrapped meticulously to mask decomposition odors, revealed a single gunshot wound to the forehead, confirming it as a homicide.

[07:10] Detective: "When St. Petersburg police arrive, they begin with trying to identify the body."

Investigation: Unraveling the Relationship and Financial Struggles

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office began piecing together the sisters' lives. Interviews with Barbara's former employer, Linda Ware, painted a picture of a woman deeply entrenched in her caregiving role, with little to no social life outside of it. Linda described Debbie as demanding and disrespectful, often leading to verbal and physical altercations.

[20:52] Expert: "She was bossy to Barbara and mean to Barbara. I seen the mean side when we all went out."

Financial records revealed that the inheritance was depleted within three years, primarily due to Debbie's uncontrolled spending and impulsive purchases. Additionally, Barbara had been cashing Debbie's Social Security checks in Virginia Beach, raising suspicions of financial misconduct.

[27:50] Witness: "Within three years, they blew through $350,000."

Barbara's Arrest and Confession

Through diligent investigation, authorities traced Barbara's activities to a 7-Eleven in Virginia Beach, where surveillance footage showed her cashing Debbie's checks regularly. Confronted with evidence, Barbara initially denied knowing Debbie but eventually broke down during the interrogation.

[33:30] Coroner: "Barbara was becoming emotional and she began to tear up, at which time she finally told us that she did have a sister."

In her confession, Barbara recounted a climactic argument on Debbie's 40th birthday. Overwhelmed by years of stress and Debbie's relentless demands, Barbara admitted to shooting her sister in a moment of desperation, claiming it was unintended.

[38:35] Detective: "Barbara Burns: I just did it."

Despite her emotional turmoil, Barbara detailed the subsequent cover-up, including hiding the body and using air fresheners to mask the smell of decay for months.

Trial, Sentencing, and Aftermath

Facing severe legal consequences, Barbara accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to manslaughter in exchange for a 15-year sentence. She was incarcerated but managed the time without incident, finding solace in the absence of her long-standing responsibilities.

After serving 12 years, Barbara was released in 2018 and returned to St. Petersburg. Her reintegration into the community was met with mixed reactions, grappling with guilt and the burden of her past actions. Barbara maintains that she cannot fully recall the events of that night, attributing her actions to being pushed beyond her limits.

[46:23] Barbara Burns: "I miss Debbie a lot. And I wish she was still alive. I really do. I loved her and I miss her. And I wish this never happened to her."

Conclusion: A Tragic Tale of Caregiver Burnout

Barbara Burns' story is a poignant example of how prolonged stress, responsibility, and relational tensions can lead to tragic outcomes. Her case underscores the importance of mental health support for caregivers and the devastating effects of unresolved familial conflicts.

[45:48] Expert: "Sometimes circumstances create a devil. They create the breaking point. I don't think Barbara did it because she wanted anything from Debbie. I think she did it because she was pushed to the limits."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [09:06] Witness: "Debbie suffered a bunch of brain damage and neurological damage and became learning disabled to the point that she never really matured beyond a six-year-old."

• [20:52] Expert: "She was bossy to Barbara and mean to Barbara. I seen the mean side when we all went out."

• [27:50] Witness: "Within three years, they blew through $350,000."

• [33:30] Coroner: "Barbara was becoming emotional and she began to tear up, at which time she finally told us that she did have a sister."

• [38:35] Detective: "Barbara Burns: I just did it."

• [46:23] Barbara Burns: "I miss Debbie a lot. And I wish she was still alive. I really do. I loved her and I miss her. And I wish this never happened to her."

• [45:48] Expert: "Sometimes circumstances create a devil. They create the breaking point. I don't think Barbara did it because she wanted anything from Debbie. I think she did it because she was pushed to the limits."

This episode of "Snapped: Women Who Murder" offers a deep and emotional exploration into Barbara Burns' life, highlighting the complexities of caregiving, financial stress, and ultimately, the tragic unraveling of a life dedicated to another. Through compelling storytelling and firsthand accounts, listeners gain insight into the factors that can drive an individual to commit unthinkable acts.