Thomas Burke, a white male, was married to Velma Barfield in 1949. The couple resided in North Carolina with their two children. Their marriage faced challenges, particularly after Velma underwent a hysterectomy, which led to chronic back pain and a subsequent addiction to prescription medications. Concurrently, Thomas developed a dependence on alcohol, resulting in frequent and intense arguments between the couple.
On April 4, 1969, after an evening of heavy drinking, Thomas Burke
passed out in their home. Seizing the moment, Velma Barfield took their children and left the house. Upon their return, they discovered their home engulfed in flames, with Thomas still inside. Tragically, Thomas Burke perished in the fire, with the cause of death attributed to smoke inhalation. In the months following his death, the same house experienced another fire, burning it down to its foundation.
In the immediate aftermath of Thomas's death, no arrests were made, and no suspects were identified. The incident was initially perceived as a tragic accident. However, in subsequent years, Velma Barfield's involvement in multiple deaths, including those of her second husband and her own mother, led authorities to re-examine Thomas Burke's death. Despite these suspicions, no concrete evidence was found to implicate Velma in Thomas's demise, and the case remains officially unsolved.
