Patrick Tracy Burris was born on August 8, 1967, in Maryland, United States. He grew up in a challenging environment. Details about his childhood and family life are limited.

As he became an adult, Burris had frequent run-ins with the law. He accumulated a long criminal record that spanned more than 25 pages. This history included various offenses, leading to his imprisonment.

In April 2009, Burris was released from prison after serving an eight-year sentence. At that time, he was already known to police as a repeat offender. Neil Dolan, a deputy director of the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, described Burris as unpredictable and troubling. After his release, he lived in South Carolina. 

Patrick Tracy Burris committed a series of murders over a short period in 2009. His first known victim was Kline Cash, a 63-year-old peach farmer, who was shot in his living room on June 27. Burris had spoken with Mrs. Cash about buying hay. After she left for errands, he returned and killed her husband.

Four days later, on July 1, Burris murdered 83-year-old Hazel Linder and her 50-year-old daughter, Gena Linder Parker. They were found bound and shot to death. The next day, July 2, he shot and killed Stephen Tyler, age 45, in his family's appliance and furniture store. His 15-year-old daughter, Abby, was also shot when she came to check on him. She was found by her family and an employee. Abby Tyler died from her injuries on July 4.

On July 6, police responded to a report of a burglary in Dallas, North Carolina. They spotted a vehicle connected to Burris outside an abandoned house. When the officers arrived, Burris gave a fake name. Officer Kathryn Williamson discovered his true identity and that he had a probation violation. As the officers attempted to arrest him, Burris pulled out a handgun. During the confrontation, he shot Officer Jim Shaw in the upper thigh. The officers returned fire and killed Burris. Ballistics tests later confirmed that the weapon he had was used in the murders.