Basic Information
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Ann Marie Burr |
| Born | December 14, 1952 |
| Age at disappearance | 8 years old |
| Disappeared | August 31, 1961 |
| Last known location | Family home, North 14th Street, Tacoma, Washington |
| Parents | Beverly Ann (née Leach) Burr (mother); Donald B. “Don” Burr (father) |
| Known siblings | Julie Burr, Gregory (Greg) Burr, Mary Burr (later married name reported), Laura Burr (listed in memorial records) |
| Case status | Missing / presumed victim; case remains unsolved |
The night she vanished
8-year-old Ann Marie Burr disappeared from her Tacoma, Washington, home on August 31, 1961. After sleeping at home, she was found missing the next morning. Urgent alert prompted a huge neighborhood search. Within hours, canvassing, door-to-door questions, and police activity began. Despite diligent attempts, no sighting led to her recovery.
Short timeline: disappearance at age 8, big search within days, decades of unanswered mysteries. One night, then a lifetime of uncertainty—that’s the case’s public memory.
Family and home life
Ann Marie lived in a humble Tacoma home with her parents, Beverly and Don Burr, and several younger siblings. Family photos and community memories show a normal American family: school, piano lessons, neighborhood play. In public records, she was the oldest of Julie, Greg, Mary, and Laura, with some memorial entries listing Laura.
Her parents organized local searches and information requests. A prolonged local story of media headlines, reward offers, and neighbor and volunteer care followed the family’s anguish. The region learned about the Burr family’s trauma.
Investigation, responses, and immediate leads
The case began as a missing-child investigation by local police. Investigators examined neighbors, family members, and probable witnesses, checked local transit routes and regions around the home, and quizzed transitory workers and local drivers. A prosecutable lead was not available to investigators.
As fresh information or tips arrived, the case was periodically reexamined over the years. Cold-case protocols—archival study, reinterviewing witnesses, and periodic public appeals—were used for decades due to technical breakthroughs and community interest. Despite efforts, no resolution has been disclosed.
Speculation, later theories, and careful boundaries
Researchers and true-crime commentators speculated about Burr’s disappearance. It has been suggested that early movements of a notable serial offender may have been similar to those of other violent Pacific Northwest criminals. These are temporal and geographical possibilities, not proof.
Differences between proven investigative results and public supposition are crucial. Theories that offer verified leads can benefit investigations, but repeated without verification can mislead. Official status: Ann Marie Burr’s disappearance has no known perpetrator, and suspected linkages to later offenders have not led to closure.
Renewed interest and cultural memory
Local retrospectives, true-crime podcasts, and cold-case roundups revisit the Burr case. Regional media review unsolved crimes or new investigative resources urge reassessment, boosting interest. Podcasts and social media magnified archive pictures and timelines in the 21st century, making the story more accessible and giving law enforcement additional tips.
Public memorialization also matters. Memorials and history sites retain names and family context. These entries commemorate and remind us of a kid who died, a family changed, and a community that remembers. Reprints of media clippings, family photos, and chronological summaries keep the case in the public eye, which is important for long-running investigations.
Timeline — Key dates at a glance
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 14, 1952 | Birth of Ann Marie Burr. |
| August 31, 1961 | Ann Marie disappears from family home in Tacoma at age 8. |
| September 1961 (days/weeks following) | Large local search and police investigation launched. |
| 1960s–present | Periodic re-examinations, cold-case reviews and public retrospectives. |
FAQ
Who was Ann Marie Burr?
Eight-year-old Ann Marie Burr disappeared from her Tacoma, Washington, family home on August 31, 1961, and her case remains unresolved.
When did she disappear and how old was she?
She vanished on the night of August 31, 1961, at 8 years old.
Who were her parents?
Her parents were Beverly Ann (née Leach) Burr and Donald B. “Don” Burr, who led the family’s search and appeals after the disappearance.
Did she have siblings?
Yes; public records name several younger siblings including Julie, Gregory (Greg) and Mary, and some memorial listings include a Laura Burr as well.
Was a suspect ever arrested or convicted?
No; there has been no public, authoritative resolution naming a proven perpetrator in Ann Marie Burr’s disappearance.
Has the case been re-examined in recent years?
Cold-case studies, local retrospectives, and true-crime coverage have revived interest and led to sporadic investigations.
Are links to later serial offenders confirmed?
Some pundits and investigators suggest linkages to later criminals, but they are unsubstantiated and should be viewed as speculative until confirmed.
How is the case preserved in public memory?
Regional history articles, memorial listings, podcasts, and archival photo reprints preserve the timeline and family background.
