Tuck served 11 years in prison for attempting to kill his wife. His sister, Michele Russo, said she “knew immediately” that her brother killed Burns after finding her body because she said she knew about his “violent tendencies.”
“Upon occasion he can be the kindest person ever, but at the drop of a hat, at a quick moment, he can snap to a completely different person,” Russo said.
Last year, a fifth of Dayton’s 26 homicides were related to domestic violence. Of the nine homicides reported this year, at least two of the cases — including Burns’ death — are connected to domestic violence. In the U.S. 4,000 women are killed every year by their partner. Often the victim is too embarrassed or afraid to seek help, said Jane Keiffer, clinical program director at the Artemis Center, which assists domestic violence victims.
“Victims love their abusers but they don’t love the violence so it’s hard to figure out where the love stops and starts,” she said.
Those feelings mean that if someone suspects a friend or family member is a victim of domestic violence, they need to approach the topic cautiously and with concern, instead of just “trashing” the abuser. People of every race, gender and background can be victims, Keiffer said, noting that there are some warning signs to watch for if you suspect abuse.
“If all of a sudden they’re spending less time with family, they’re making excuses. Now that it’s hot … they are wearing long sleeves or covering up their body,” she said.
The Artemis Center offers a 24-hour hotline for those seeking help due to domestic violence. For information or to be connected with a counselor, call (937) 222-SAFE (7233).
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