On a tragic day in June of 2015, the life of Stephanie Ginn Gebo, a 37-year-old Caucasian woman, was cut short in her Parkman, Maine, home. The events of June 5th would not only devastate a family but also trigger the longest manhunt in the state's history. Stephanie, a mother of two, was found deceased by her children, having been shot multiple times.
The investigation quickly zeroed in on her ex-boyfriend, Robert Burton, age 40 at the time.
Prosecutors would later argue that Burton, driven by jealousy, broke into Stephanie's home on the night of her death. Fearing for her safety after their recent breakup, Stephanie had a handgun for protection. It is believed that she shot and wounded Burton in the shoulder before he overpowered her, took her gun, and fatally shot her in the back. Her children were asleep upstairs during the terrifying ordeal.
Immediately after the murder, Burton fled into the woods of Piscataquis County, sparking a massive and prolonged search that lasted for 68 days. The extensive manhunt involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals. During his time as a fugitive, Burton reportedly broke into camps for sustenance. The search instilled fear in the local community, with residents urged to lock their homes and vehicles. The ordeal finally came to an end when Burton, fearing he would be shot, turned himself in to authorities.
Robert Burton was charged with the murder of Stephanie Ginn Gebo. During his trial, his defense team claimed he acted in self-defense after Stephanie shot him. However, the prosecution successfully argued that Burton was the aggressor, motivated by jealousy. In October 2017, a jury found Robert Burton guilty of murder. He was subsequently sentenced to 55 years in prison. Stephanie's family, who had endured unimaginable grief and a lengthy wait for justice, had advocated for a life sentence.
