Bremerton, Wash. — For a while Bremerton police believed they were close to solving the May 2011 murder of Sarah Burke. They had a person of interest and a specially formed team of investigators focusing on the case that included every detective on the force, the FBI, the Kitsap Sheriff's Department, the Poulsbo Police Department and the state Attorney General's Office.
"For almost a month we did a big surge on this case," said Bremerton police Sgt. Kevin Crane. "We were quite hopeful that we may gain enough information to go somewhere with it."
Burke, 19, was stabbed in the neck as she walked past an alley near the city's downtown. Police believe her murder was random and so far have no motive for her death.
The person of interest developed in early 2013. By June, investigators thought they were closing in and focused on their suspect. He was interviewed, evidence seized, leads checked and re-checked. But still there wasn't enough to make an arrest. "We've been working this case constantly since it occurred in May 2011," said Crane.
There are similarities between Burke's murder, the stabbing death of Melody Brannon, 61, in February 2011 and the assault of Kenny Cobb who was stabbed in the neck as he walked along a Bremerton street in June 2011. "I was stunned and dazed at that point, but then he knifed me some more," Cobb said in a July 2011 interview with KIRO 7. Bremerton police are not certain the three incidents are connected but say it's possible.
What investigators say they need now is information that will help them connect the dots and make an arrest. "What we really need is that additional tip that really puts us over the edge," said Crane.
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