Woman was apparently deceased inside her own residence for several days before being discovered.
On July 1st, 2005 law enforcement personnel responded to a residence located in Mechanicsville, St. Mary's County, Maryland for a reported discovery of a deceased female. Detectives from the St. Mary's County Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) arrived on the scene and further investigated the incident. The victim was positively identified as (32) year old Deborah Ellison Burch and it was determined she had been deceased for some time inside her own residence.
The victim was sent to the Office of The Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore, Maryland for an autopsy. It was discovered the victim died as a result of a high level of a prescribed control dangerous substance (CDS). Throughout the investigation detectives gathered information concerning the relationship between the victim and her husband, identified as (34) year old Charles David Burch. An extensive history of domestic violence incidents and violations of protective orders existed on Charles Burch against the victim. Through statements obtained, evidence from the autopsy and other evidence, an arrest warrant was obtained for Charles Burch.
On August 25th, 2005 Detectives executed a Search and Seizure Warrant at Charles Burch's residence and placed him under arrest. He was transported to the St. Mary's County Detention Center and charged with 2nd Degree Murder (Depraved Heart), Involuntary Manslaughter, Reckless Endangerment, and Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. He is currently awaiting his appearance before the District Court Commissioner.