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 Frederick Burt was identified in a light-colored late-model Corvair leaving the bombing vicinity—what evidence definitively placed him at the scene?
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evidence
Lead #2Explosives were placed in a stolen panel truck located three blocks from Sterling Hall days before the blast—how was the truck obtained and who had access to it?
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location
Lead #3Burt has documented ties to New York City, Boston, and Peterborough, Ontario—have these locations been thoroughly investigated for his whereabouts?
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 was federally indicted on September 2, 1970, for sabotage, destruction of government property, and conspiracy. Despite decades of investigation, Burt's current whereabouts remain unknown, though he has known ties to New York City, Boston, and Peterborough, Ontario.
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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person
Lead #4What was Burt's motive for the bombing, and did he have accomplices who may still be living?
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
Explosives detonated at Sterling Hall on the University of Wisconsin campus, killing researcher Robert Fassnacht and injuring several others; estimated $6 million in damage
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1970-09-02
Federal indictment
Leo Frederick Burt was federally indicted in Madison, Wisconsin for 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:May 19, 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:May 19, 2026
Up to $150,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case