Missing Manchester Man Declared Dead

(Manchester, IA) — A northeast Iowa judge and jury have declared a Manchester man who’s been missing for nearly eight years legally dead. Brian “Farmer” Burns was 55 when he was last seen on December 19th of 2013 at his home northwest of Manchester. He was reported missing by a family member a few days later. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office asked for the public’s help in locating Burns, but he was never found. A jury trial was held in Delaware County District Court Thursday with his brother, Randy Burns, appearing with his attorney to petition for the legal declaration of death. Sheriff John LeClere says even though Burns has been declared legally dead, his case will still remain open.