Gaffney, S.C., Serial Killer Confirmed Dead

After a serial killer has terrorized Gaffney, SC, residents, and killed five people since June 27, he has finally met his fate. According to a breaking news report this afternoon, Patrick Tracy Burris, 41, has been shot and killed in Gaston Co., NC. Very few details are being reported at this time; however a news conference is supposedly forthcoming on local TV stations later this evening providing more information.

According to breaking news reports, the killer was shot and killed when police responded to a breaking and entering around 2:44 AM this morning, July 6, 2009. State Law Enforcement has stated that ballistics reports confirm that the gun on the man shot was indeed the serial killer. One police officer sustained a gunshot in the leg, but is said to be okay.

As a reminder, the week of trauma started on June 27, 2009 when peach farmer Kline Cash was shot in his Gaffney residence. Next, two well respected Gaffney ladies, Hazel Linder, 83, and her daughter, Gena Parker, 50, was found bound and shot in Mrs. Linder's home in Buck Shoals. The fourth and fifth victims were father and daughter, Stephen and Abby Tyler. They were shot at their family business on July 2, 2009. Mr. Tyler died on site, but Abby died July 4 in the hospital.

For the past week, police and residents alike were on watch for a white male believed to be in his late 40's, and weighing approximately 250 pounds. Not just Gaffney residents, but all neighboring counties such as Spartanburg County where I live were afraid and taking precautions. But now, thanks to diligent, hardworking law enforcement and fate the killer has been put out of business. I hope that Gaffney, or any other place never has to endure this kind of fear again, however in this era that's unlikely.

As I am finishing up this article, a live TV news conference is being televised on News Channel 7. It is 9:00 PM Eastern time. Sherriff Bill Blanton from Cherokee County is confirming that the man shot is indeed Burris. He has been found to have a long criminal history including armed robberies, numerous forgeries, possession of stolen goods, and many more. Many details are still case sensitive according to Sherriff Blanton. Ongoing investigation as to where he's been in the past year and what he's been doing will be conducted. They are continuing to gather evidence and will last probably for weeks. Another concern is why he wasn't in jail but out on the streets able to kill and terrorize innocent people.

According to the news conference, the families of the victims wish to thank law enforcement and everyone else who has been involved with providing resources, diligent long search hours, and the prayers and support of their neighbors during this tragic time.

Questions are being asked as to a motive, but there is no knowledge yet as to a motive. There is also speculation as to why this killer with a long history of crimes was out on the street. Some of his crimes were committed in Virginia, Florida, and Maryland. Processing of the killer's vehicle is still in process and no details are being released yet as to the contents. A question as to the number of weapons on the killer is being asked, but the scene is still being processed. No details as to the state of the killer's mind today when captured and shot are available at this time. NC had a probation warrant out on the killer when he was shot this morning.

Gaffney residents are receiving this information via news conference to give them some closure and assurance that the killer is no longer a threat and they can sleep better tonight because of this.

Sources:

www.wyff4.com/serialkiller/

www.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/watch_live_cherokee_county_sheriff_says_yes_we_have_a_serial_killer/22551

Notes: taken as a 9 PM Live News Conference on CBS channel 7 in Spartanburg Co. was being broadcasted