JSO: Third person arrested in alleged murder-for-hire plot

A third person has been arrested in the death of a Jacksonville woman who officers say was killed in a murder-for-hire plot by her husband.

Velvet Burns was found dead May 9 at the home she shared with her husband on Doris Lane. Officers said it appeared she'd been stabbed. They didn't find signs of forced entry into the home.

The victim’s husband, Jerry Burns, told police he was working in Tallahassee and had left their home at 3:30 a.m.

JSO investigators uncovered he was having an affair with Amanda Love. JSO says Jerry Burns offered Love $5,000 to take people to his house and murder his wife.

Love told investigators Burns promised her an unnamed amount of money after the murder was complete. JSO said the amount was to be contributed from the victim's life insurance.

JSO says Jerry Burns requested the murder be staged to look like a burglary.

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Love and Jerry Burns are facing second-degree murder charges. Jerry Burns is also facing cospiracy to commit murder and solicitation to commit capital felony charges.

JSO announced Wednesday, Stephen Shelton Hand, 37, is now facing a murder charge in the case.

JSO said a witness saw Hand stabbing the victim and destroying evidence.

Investigators say they have forensic evidence that places Hand at the home. JSO says Hand did not know Velvet Burns. He's has been in JSO custody on unrelated charges since May 29.

JSO said this is still an active murder investigation.

They're asking anyone with information about the murder to call Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@Jaxsheriff.org.

To remain anonymous and be eligible for a possible reward up to $3,000 contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

Cox Media Group