The person at the center of this case
Robert Fassnacht (33-year-old researcher)
Cold Case · Open
56 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 #1Why has Leo Burt remained at large for over 50 years despite federal charges and a $150,000 reward?
🚗
vehicle
Lead #2Can the light-colored Corvair and its driver be identified to establish Burt's direct involvement?
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location
Lead #3What connections did Burt have to New York City, Boston, and Peterborough, Ontario that may have aided his escape?
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 $6 million in damage. Burt was identified as a passenger in a light-colored Corvair fleeing the scene, and explosives had been placed in a stolen panel truck three blocks away days before the blast. Despite his federal indictment in September 1970 for sabotage, destruction of government property, and conspiracy, Burt has evaded capture for over 50 years, with known ties to New York City, Boston, and Canada.
Case
#679
Federal Bureau of Investigation; 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.
🔍
evidence
Lead #4Who placed the explosives in the stolen panel truck, and what was the full extent of the conspiracy?
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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
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1970-08-24
Corvair Sighting
Light-colored, late-model Corvair seen leaving vicinity of bombing with Leo Burt identified as passenger
🕵️
1970-09-02
Federal Indictment
Leo Frederick Burt indicted federally 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:October 30, 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:October 30, 2026
Up to $150,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case