Murder Victim No Stranger to Suspected Killer
By: Adam Rodriguez
Updated: April 23, 2012
Little Rock Police Spokesperson Terry Hastings says they've pretty much wrapped up their investigation into the murder of 41-year-old Wesley Burris.
But they're staying mum on the possible motive, or how the suspect, 26-year-old Stephen Shaw, fits into the picture.
Hastings says Burris was already dead Saturday night when firefighters found him in his Point West Circle home. The stylist's Hyundai Santa Fe was burning in the garage, but police believe the fire was an attempt to cover up Burris' murder.
The police report says the investigation led officers to Shaw, but doesn't say exactly how. And the second time he was questioned, Shaw told police he tied Burris up, stole things from his home, and lit his SUV on fire, but claimed he didn't kill him.
Hastings says the two men weren't strangers, that Burris and Shaw had known each other for years, but the nature of their relationship won't be revealed until the murder trial.
Both men are friends on Facebook. It's
an interesting connection, but not very descriptive.
Jody Jenkins, Burris' brother-in-law, was at the home in Little Rock Monday afternoon when detectives returned.
Jenkins says Burris was the kind of kid that always got picked last on the playground, but always wanted to play. And did. A kind-hearted, happy man, and born-again Christian who was very involved in church, Jenkins said.
"We'll always remember his smile. He was a very positive guy," Jenkins said. "He loved people. That's the thing you got to remember the most about him, is you couldn't help but like him, too."
Burris' employer, Salon Conde in Hillcrest, posted the following on its Facebook page after his death:
"It is with a heavy heart we mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Wes Burris; a born-again Christian, beloved son, brother, and uncle, and devoted friend. We ask that you keep the Burris family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Your calls and emails of sympathy and support are greatly appreciated and we will reply to you all as soon as time allows."
