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What Happened?

Jason and his sister, KellieHi, my name is Robyn. On June 9, 2000, my close friend, Jason Burgeson, 20, and his friend, Amy Shute, 21, were brutally murdered in Rhode Island. The two went dancing at a night club in Providence with some friends (including me) that night. When the club closed, Jason, Amy, and two other friends got into Jason's car. After dropping the other two off at a nearby bar around 2am, Jason and Amy were standing near Jason's Ford Explorer when they were approached by five men. They were robbed and forced at gunpoint into Jason's car. The men brought them to an unfinished golf course where, after watching the two beg for their lives, one of the men shot each in the head. Jason was shot twice, and Amy once. These two did nothing to deserve this. They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

THIS WAS A SENSELESS CRIME! Jason and Amy were both bright, fun people, and too many lives have been ruined by this tragedy. Four out of the five men involved in the murders were out on parole!! Something needs to be done to stop this violence!


What Are the Families Striving For?

Jason and RobynBecause of brutal crimes such as this, there is a federal statute that states that carjackings that lead to kidnapping and murder are crimes punishable under federal law. Rhode Island does not have the death penalty, but if this case is taken to federal court, then the killers could be put to death. I know many of you may not believe in the death penalty, but just because the case is brought to federal court does not mean that they will receive the death penalty. We need this to become a federal case because if we allow this case to be tried only by the state, then these five cold-blooded killers will go to the Rhode Island state prison where they will hang out with all of their buddies, receive care packages, and get visits from their family. Also, each and every day that the Shute family and friends (in RI) go to work, their tax dollars will pay for these five men to eat, sleep, and be cared for. That would be an outrage!


What Can YOU Do To Help?

Within the next few weeks or months, a decision will be made in reference to whether or not this case will be tried under federal law, and we need to let the Attorney General's office know that we support this. We ask you to please send letters to Janet Reno and Margaret Curren to ask that this case be tried under federal law. Attorney General Curren does not support the death penalty, so we need to convince her that this case needs to become federal. You may think that your letter may not make a difference, but if everyone who sees this sends a letter, then it will make a huge difference. You can write your own, or you can use the sample letters, both written by Jason's sister. Please be sure to sign your name and address at the bottom.

PLEASE HELP US TO GET THESE MEN THE PUNISHMENT THEY DESERVE!!

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at doodette80@hotmail.com

Check back for updates on the case.


Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund has been made in Jason's name. The scholarship will be given to deserving students graduating from Apponequet Regional High School (where Jason attended high school) who are pursuing a career in communications. Donations can be sent to:

Jason Burgeson Memorial Scholarship Fund
ATTN: Elaine Barrie
6 Main Street
Lakeville, MA 02347

This page was last updated on 10/23/00

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