Detectives investigate the attack on Melissa Dohme | Forensic Files

Florida Highway Patrol received a call that they believe might have been an accident there was a vehicle in a
parking lot that was uh crashed into the front side of a storefront and the tires
were spinning on the concrete pavement they force open a window and they encounter Robert Berton paramedics at
that time did not know whether he was unconscious due to a crash or something else we know that uh Mr Burton consumed
a large amount of sleeping pills in some type of attempt to commit suicide he transported him to Bay at Point Hospital
upon his arrival they placed him into restraints in Robert Burton's possession he had her keys and her cell phone it
was ultimately learned that uh several items of evidentiary value were located inside Mr Burton's vehicle to include
there was aluminum baseball bat a hatchet uh a pocket style knife there was the sheath to a larger knife uh a
screwdriver we went to see Mr Burt in the hospital two days after this happened we read him as rights and he
agreed to talk to us we asked him if he knew why we were there and he said he had hurt somebody it just seemed that
Robert was in an accepting phase and he felt like he wanted to tell those detectives what he did and why this is
your opportunity to tell us what happened okay we're trying to find out if there's some hard ass here that goes
around killing people or if there's some kind of misunderstanding you you're pissed off about something all right you
got witness saw you stabbing her get off her go to your truck to get another weapon that's why we need to know what
happened did you intend to kill her why would you go to your truck and get another weapon huh don't well you did
that didn't you yes I deny that just what were you so pissed off about everything Robert Burton
ultimately confessed to his actions I think Robert Burton in his mind felt that he loved
Melissa and I think he felt that this was his way that no one else can be with her any person that can stab someone up
close and personal over 30 times doesn't have any respect for life at all and no amount of time is going to
change that for Robert

On Jan. 24, 2012, Robert Burton was found slumped over the wheel of his truck. He had attempted suicide after stabbing his former girlfriend, Melissa Dohme. Detectives Tom Dawe and Joseph Ruhlin walk "48 Hours" through the investigation and the evidence.

Brief Summary

Robert Burton confessed to stabbing Melissa over 30 times after a suicide attempt, revealing a disturbing mindset during interrogation.

Key points

Tragic Accident or Intentional Act?. Florida Highway Patrol investigates a crash that leads to a deeper, darker story.
Confession of Love and Violence. Robert Burton confesses to his actions, revealing a twisted sense of love.

Episode highlights

Episode quotes

I think he felt that this was his way.

Robert Burton's mindset about his actions.

2:00WatchJun 1, 2014

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