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
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Leo Frederick Burt identified as being in light-colored late-model Corvair leaving bombing vicinity—what evidence places him at the scene?
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evidence
Lead #2Stolen panel truck with explosives placed three blocks from Sterling Hall days before blast—who had access and knowledge of the plan?
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location
Lead #3Burt has known ties to New York City, Boston, and Peterborough, Ontario—has he been located in any of these areas since 1970?
On August 24, 1970, Sterling Hall at the University of Wisconsin was bombed, killing a 33-year-old researcher and injuring several others while causing $6 million in damage. Leo Frederick Burt was identified as a participant in the bombing and indicted on federal charges of sabotage, destruction of government property, and conspiracy. Despite decades of investigation, Burt's current whereabouts remain unknown, though he is believed to have connections to New York City, Boston, and Canada.
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 #4Light-colored Corvair observed leaving bombing area—were occupants and vehicle fully identified and investigated?
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 kills researcher Robert Fassnacht, injures several others, causes $6 million in damage. Explosives placed in stolen panel truck three blocks away.
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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:June 17, 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:June 17, 2026
Up to $150,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case