Born in 1917 in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen, Elmer Burke was raised by his older brother, Charlie, after their parents passed away. The streets of New York shaped his early years, leading him into petty crimes. In 1941, he was sent to reform school but had his sentence reduced upon enlisting in the U.S. Army. Serving as an Army Ranger during World War II, Burke participated in the Italian campaign, earning commendations for his bravery.​

After the war, Burke's life took a darker turn. He was incarcerated in Sing Sing Prison for robbery. During his imprisonment, his brother Charlie was murdered by George Goll, a dock worker. Goll was arrested but later released, a fact that deeply affected Burke.

Burke's first known murder was that of George Goll, whom he shot in Manhattan to avenge his brother's death. This act earned him the nickname "Trigger," as he was known for shooting his victims behind the ear.​

On July 23, 1952, Burke murdered Edward "Poochy" Walsh, a longshoreman and his girlfriend's brother. The incident occurred in a Manhattan bar where Walsh intervened in a dispute between Burke and the bartender. After being ejected, Burke returned with a .45 caliber pistol and shot Walsh in the face.​

In 1954, Burke was hired to eliminate Joseph "Specs" O'Keefe, a participant in the infamous Brinks robbery. Fearing O'Keefe would turn informant, Burke tracked him to a housing project in Dorchester, Massachusetts. After a prolonged chase, Burke shot O'Keefe in the leg. Believing he had killed him, Burke fled the scene. O'Keefe survived and identified Burke, leading to his arrest eight days later. While incarcerated at Charles Street Jail, Burke managed to escape but was recaptured a year later in Charleston, South Carolina.​

Burke was tried and convicted for the murder of Edward Walsh and sentenced to death. On January 9, 1958, he was executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing Prison. Reports indicate that he spent his final hours reading newspaper clippings about himself, smoking cigars, and maintaining a calm demeanor as he faced his execution.​