Burdick is accused of committing numerous sexual assaults on Middle Tennessee women over the course of 14 years. It was almost the perfect crime, or crimes, as the case may be. A perfect episode for CBS' Cold Case. But now, at last, the storyline can play out on NBC's Law & Order.
Last year Brentwood police officer Elliott Hamm made the first break in the case, which includes an 2004 assault in the Meadowlake subdivision and others just over the county line. Ironically, Hamm's first encounter with Burdick also occurred in the older north Brentwood neighborhood that's bordered by Franklin Road and Maryland Farms.
Wednesday's conviction brings to a close the first of what will likely be many court appearances for Burdick.
"I think this conviction is a great thing for our case as well," Brentwood Police Chief Ricky Watson told me today of the case which will be tried in Williamson County. "With the evidence against him, I feel very good about multiple convictions."
Burdick was found guilty on two counts of aggravated rape and one count of aggravated burglary. His sentencing is scheduled for June 10. He faces up to 56 years in prison from this first conviction.
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One of the key factors in Burdick's conviction, according to all published reports, was the cool thinking of the victim in that particular case. The Donelson woman kept her head after being violated and preserved as much evidence as possible.Though no one ever wants to think of being raped, there are steps Brentwood women can take to be prepared in the event they are in danger.
One of the best is the R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Program that the Brentwood Police Department offers as free community service.
R.A.D. is the largest and fastest growing women’s only self-defense program in the United States and Canada, according to the city's website. It offers "practical options for responding to increasing acts of violence against women."
Brentwood's 12-hour R.A.D. program is taught in four three-hour sessions and is open to all women age 13 and up. Best of all, it's designed for virtually all fitness and skill levels. To learn more about upcoming programs, contact Officer Mark Wood 371-2267 or email him at woodm@brentwood-tn.org.
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And finally, a gentle reminder to keep Joe Lassus, our city Planning Director, in your thoughts and prayers. He undergoes surgery on the brain tumor discovered just a few weeks ago early Friday morning.
I took the RAD class about two years ago, and I would recommend it to every female I know. There was a mom taking the class with her teenage daughter because she said she wanted her daughter to be prepared for any situation she might encounter in college and beyond. I cannot say enough good things about the Brentwood officers who led our class.
ReplyDeleteI took the RAD course as well. Great knowledge to keep yourself mentally straight in a situation as stressful as this, as well as physically smart in knowing how to fight off the attacker. The Citizens Fire and Police Academies are awesome courses to take for men and women too. Our city gov't truly cares about serving and educating its residents. Peggy Howell
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