Police Say Woman Was Strangled In Her Bathtub Soon After Posting On Facebook Picture Of A Large Amount Of Money

  • Wednesday, June 11, 2014
JaMichael Donte Harris
JaMichael Donte Harris

Police said a woman who boasted on Facebook of having a large amount of money was strangled in her bathtub.

JaMichael Donte Harris, 20, is charged with criminal homicide in the death of Inez Burney last Thursday.

Police had been summoned to 1400 Cypress Street Court on a CPR in progress.

Upon arrival, Harris told officers that he spent the day with Ms. Burney, then left for two hours. He said he let himself back into her apartment at 4 a.m. He said he used a key she left in the mailbox.

He said he went upstairs and found Ms. Burney unresponsive in the bathtub. He said he called 911 and started CPR an hour and a half later.

Police said he "was unable to account for the severe time lapse before calling 911."

Officers said Harris had scratches on his face "that are consistent with a female attempting to defend herself against an attacker."

The body was taken to the Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.

It was ruled a homicide after Petechia was found in both of her eyes and in her mouth and there were abrasions to her neck.

The medical examiner "said these are indications of strangulation," the report says.

The medical examiner also said there is evidence on the victim's fingernails that would indicate that she struggled and possibly scratched her attacker.

Family members said Ms. Burney "posted a picture of a large amount of money on her Facebook account just an hour before Harris said he went to the residence. Police said that money has not been found.

Police concluded that Harris strangled the victim and tried to stage her drowning in the bathtub.

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