In a tragic and violent outburst on December 3, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, Robert 'Bobbie' Burgan, a young male, was killed. The horrific event was set in motion by his father, James D. Burgan, a 28-year-old factory worker. Reports from the time indicate that James was distraught over his wife's decision to leave him, a domestic dispute that culminated in a devastating loss of life.
Using a. 22 caliber rifle, James D. Burgan methodically shot his wife, Joyce Marie Burgan, their four children, Linda K. Burgan, age 1; Cathy S. Burgan, age 3; Robert 'Bobbie' Burgan; and Roger A. Hill, age 6, and a friend of his wife, 22-year-old Billie Jean Henry Nolan. Each victim was shot once in the head within the family's home.
The grim discovery of the bodies was made after Joyce's sister, Mrs. Mary Judkins, received a chilling phone call from James. In this call, he confessed to the murders and stated his intention to take his own life. Although Mrs. Judkins immediately contacted the police, it was too late. When authorities arrived at the residence, they found a heart-wrenching scene. Three of the children were located in an upstairs bedroom, while Mrs. Burgan was found in the bathroom. The body of Roger Hill was discovered downstairs. On the first floor, police found the bodies of James Burgan and Mrs. Nolan.
The community and those who knew the family were left in a state of shock. Neighbors and family members described James Burgan as a 'nice guy' and expressed that there had been no prior signs of such violent behavior. The incident, a murder-suicide, meant that the person responsible for the six deaths was also deceased. Consequently, there were no arrests made or charges filed in connection with the deaths of Robert 'Bobbie' Burgan and the other five victims.
