Cold case murder victim in Sarasota identified after 16 years

Skeletal remains of a woman discovered buried in a shallow grave in February 2007 have been identified by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office as Jeana Lynn Burrus, who lived in Sarasota at the time.

The remains were discovered in a wooded area of Ashton Court. She was never identified nor was she ever reported missing by her husband, James Burrus, or anyone else. Her whereabouts were never questioned.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death remained cold until November 2022, when the SCSO, working in conjunction with DNA Labs International Inc., applied advancements in DNA testing and genetic genealogy to make a positive identification.

The victim was determined to be 39 years old at the time of her death. She resided in the 6200 block of Pauline Avenue in Sarasota with her husband and son, James Burrus Jr. Her husband was employed at a body shop in the 5600 block of Sarah Avenue in Sarasota and her son attended Gulf Gate Elementary School between 2005 and 2006. She was not employed.

Prior to moving to Sarasota, the couple lived in Citrus County, Florida, and Frederick, Maryland. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have known either Jeana or James Burrus, or has information regarding her death, to contact Det. Brian Ng at 941-861-4900.