The person at the center of this case
Robert Fassnacht (33-year-old researcher)
Cold Case · Open
55 years waiting · since 1970
LEO FREDERICK BURT
Justice for Robert Fassnacht (33-year-old researcher) — the trail went cold in 1970, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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suspect
Lead #1Leo Burt's current whereabouts and identity—he may wear a moustache, beard, long hair in back, and glasses, with known ties to New York City, Boston, and Peterborough, Ontario.
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vehicle
Lead #2The light-colored, late-model Corvair seen leaving the bombing scene—who was driving and where did it go?
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evidence
Lead #3The stolen panel truck containing explosives placed three blocks away days before the blast—how was it obtained and who had access to it?
On August 24, 1970, Leo Frederick Burt allegedly participated in the bombing of Sterling Hall at the University of Wisconsin, an attack that killed a 33-year-old researcher, injured several others, and caused approximately $6 million in damage. Explosives had been placed in a stolen panel truck located three blocks from the building days before the blast, and Burt was identified as a passenger in a light-colored Corvair fleeing the scene. Despite his federal indictment in September 1970 on charges of sabotage, destruction of government property, and conspiracy, Burt's current whereabouts remain unknown, and investigators continue to seek information about his location and activities.
Case
#679
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Madison Police Department
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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witness
Lead #4Individuals who saw Burt in the Corvair or had contact with him around the time of the bombing, particularly in New York, Boston, or Canada.
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Sabotage; Destruction of Government Property; Conspiracy Caution: Leo Frederick Burt is wanted for allegedly participating in the bombing of Sterling Hall, on the campus of the University of Wisconsin, on August 24, 1970. The blast from the explosion, combined with the fire, resulted in the death of a 33-year-old researcher.
Additionally, there were several injuries reported and an estimated $6 million damage to the building and its contents. Reportedly, explosives had been placed in a stolen panel truck, located three blocks from the building, just several days before the blast.
Also, a light-colored, late-model vehicle (Corvair) was seen leaving the vicinity of the bombing, and Burt was identified as being in the car. On September 2, 1970, Leo Burt was indicted federally in Madison, Wisconsin.
He was charged with sabotage, destruction of government property, and conspiracy. Remarks: Burt may wear a moustache and beard and has worn his hair long in the back.
He may also wear glasses. Burt has ties to New York City, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; and Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
Timeline of Events
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1970-08-24
Sterling Hall bombing
Explosion and fire at Sterling Hall on University of Wisconsin campus kills researcher Robert Fassnacht, injures several others, and causes approximately $6 million in damage. Leo Burt identified as passenger in light-colored Corvair fleeing the scene.
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1970-09-02
Federal indictment
Leo Frederick Burt indicted federally in Madison, Wisconsin on charges of sabotage, destruction of government property, and conspiracy.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 24, 1970
Last Updated:April 29, 2026
Up to $150,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:August 24, 1970
Last Updated:April 29, 2026
Up to $150,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case