GUILFORD, Maine — Multiple law enforcement agencies were in the First and Second Davis Pond area of Guilford on Monday, where a sighting of Robert Burton was confirmed.

Early Monday evening, roughly two dozen officers from the Maine State Police, the Maine Warden Service, the Piscataquis Sheriff’s Office and the Dover-Foxcroft Police Department converged at the Big Pine Gun Club to resume the search for the murder suspect after a confirmed sighting of him around noon, according to Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland. A camp owner in North Guilford said he saw Burton on his property and then saw him run to nearby Davis Pond, where he stole a canoe or kayak.

People who live in the area of Route 150 and North Guilford Road, about 5 miles north of downtown Guilford, or Willimantic were asked to use caution and report anything out of place.

Burton, 38, also known as Robert G. Elliot, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of Stephanie Ginn Gebo, a single mother of two, whose body was discovered in her Parkman home on June 5, a week after their relationship ended and the day after his probation for previous domestic violence crimes ended.

Burton is wearing full camouflage and has a black pack strapped to his front. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Law enforcement officials participating in the search referred questions to Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland. Boats, an ATV and tracking dogs were among the resources brought for the search.

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The most recent confirmed sighting of Burton occurred on June 17 in Guilford, where the state’s Interconnected Trail System nears Route 15 and Low’s Covered Bridge along the Piscataquis River.

People driving in the area will notice electronic message boards warning them of the manhunt on all the major roads that lead into the Parkman-Guilford area. The Maine Department of Transportation set up the electronic signs Wednesday afternoon in Newport, Athens, Charleston, Milo and Monson.

A roadblock was set up last Thursday on Route 15 near Lowell’s Hardware and the playground, where sheriff’s deputies and Maine State Police handed out wanted posters with Burton’s image.

Bonnie Gagnon and Renee Wilhite work at the Rite Aid in Guilford. Both women said Monday night that residents just want Burton to be found.

“What we’re hearing from people coming in is that they’re sick and tired of it,” Gagnon said. “People at first were frustrated and scared. Now we’re hearing more frustration.”

“I’m frustrated like everyone else,” added Wilhite. “I’m tired of having to lock my doors.”

Burton is 5-foot-11, about 180 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He sometimes wears glasses and was last seen wearing camouflage clothing and carrying a dark-colored backpack.

Those with information about Burton’s whereabouts are asked to call state police at 973-3700 or 911.


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