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Amanda Love was offered $5,000 by Jerry Burns to get someone to murder his wife, investigators say. Burns is still awaiting trial.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville woman was sentenced to 40 years in prison for her involvement in the 2019 murder of Velvet Burns.
In court Friday morning, Amanda Love showed little emotion when she learned of her 40-year sentence for second degree murder, by Judge Ken Blazs, with approximately four years of time served. She also received a 30-year sentence for conspiracy to commit murder. The sentences will run concurrently.
Love is the second person sentenced in the stabbing death of Velvet Burns.
Stephen Hand, 37, was sentenced to life in prison in August 2022 after he pleaded guilty for the murder of Velvet Burns at 8800 Doris Lane.
Blazs said the court would give Love the opportunity to “breathe” before she passes, unlike Hand and likely Jerry Burns.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said Jerry Burns was reportedly having an affair with Love. Love then told investigators Jerry Burns offered her $5,000 to get someone to murder his wife, police said.
JSO said Hand and Velvet Burns didn’t know each other. According to court documents, a witness observed Hand stabbing Velvet Burns and destroying evidence, JSO said.
Burns is still awaiting trial. He’s pleaded not guilty to first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation to commit a felony charges.
