Man Arrested 14 Years After Thonotosassa Woman Was Killed

THONOTOSASSA, FL — More than 14 years after a woman was killed outside her mobile home, her attacker has been arrested, authorities said.

On July 17, 2007, Jonathan Burns called 911 stating he was involved in an altercation with the victim just after 1 a.m. When deputies arrived at the Nature’s Trail Mobile Home Park in Thonotosassa, they discovered the body of a woman with upper body trauma.

Deputies later discovered the woman was dependent on a walker and wheelchair.

Burns did not speak to deputies, and the case was presented to the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, which concluded there was insufficient evidence to refute Burns' version of events.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit revisited the case in 2021 and discovered new evidence that led to Burns' arrest.

“We know that every cold case represents long-awaited answers for the family and friends of victims, and that is why our cold case unit is so passionate and dedicated to solving these crimes," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Thanks to the hard work of our investigators, we are now able to not only bring closure to loved ones, but bring a murderer to justice."

Burns is facing a felony first-degree murder charge.