Updated September 28, 2108

In an update to a story with ties to Lawrence County…

For over 33 years, Mary Mealer wondered what would become of her former husband, the man who disappeared after shooting her four times and killing her boyfriend. Yesterday, Mary Mealer got her answer.

A jury in Whitfield County Superior Court convicted Jay Thomas Burlison of voluntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated assault Thursday morning, after about six hours of deliberation.

Burlison has been the lead suspect in the case since immediately after the shooting November 11th, 1984. But he remained at large until this spring, when federal government workers found him after he signed up for Social Security benefits.

Superior Court Judge Scott Minter will sentence Burlison Tuesday. He originally faced a murder charge that would have carried a punishment of life in prison. Instead, the jury convicted him of voluntary manslaughter, meaning Burlison acted on the emotions of his divorce. The charge carries a sentence of 1 to 20 years in prison, as do the two counts of aggravated assault.