The Awareness Project

In June of 2006 my 27 year old only son, William Burnham Jr. (BJ) was brutally and savagely beaten to death inside his own home with a baseball bat. His alleged killer was found not guilty on all charges, 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree murder and voluntary manslaughter. The jury went home, the killer went free, and I have been left to live every day without justice for my child. In light of the devastating verdict I had a decision to make. I could become so angry and bitter about the situation or I could use this terrible tragedy to make a contribution to the system in a positive way.

Someone once said that "any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes an experienced carpenter to build one" I did not want to kick down a barn or attack the system that had failed. I wanted to become a builder! If I could contribute then perhaps I could make a difference, my story might help create awareness.

I truly believed there must be a place within the death investigation community where the voice of the victim's family could make a respectful and significant contribution.

After several years of research on death investigation, I made a decision that I would do my best, in my son's name, to make a contribution by working along side the death investigation community, assisting them in building a strong, sound death investigation platform by which truth could immerge and justice could be served for others going forward.

Thus, the William Burnham Jr. Death Scene Awareness Project® was born.

It is my quest that the Death Scene Awareness Project will be a living legacy to my son (something good from something evil) and serve as a continual reminder that the words "Every Scene -- Every time" are far more that just a recognized slogan.