One respondent to my blog reminded me that I often mention the “fear factor” in my posts about the murder of Stacey Burns. It is important to understand that there are levels of fear, not all of the same intensity.

Here is my take on those levels as they exist in the Stacey Burns case.

First, there is the fear of physical harm by the killer (who is still free) or perhaps even by people associated with the killer. This fear may seem irrational since none other than the Attorney General’s prosecutor has told everyone that the public has nothing to fear. To me, his assertion would not be reassuring since the person who committed the crime is certainly capable of committing a similar crime again.

Second, there is the fear of embarrassment. This fear comes about because a person may be concerned that their “information” may be erroneous and, if so, public humiliation would be the result if this were the case.

Third, there could be a fear of false accusations, resulting in complaints about slander or liable if they name a specific person or persons as being guilty of the crime.

The reader can imagine other degrees of fear as well, any one of which could keep people from coming forward.

The bottom line is this: This case will not be solved without additional information but because of the situation, there is a reluctance for anyone to provide that information. For my part, as I’ve said repeatedly over the last few years, I’m surprised the police haven’t at least wanted to look at what information I’ve gathered, just in case there might be something new.

Meanwhile, time goes by and nothing happens!.

Duke