Maine State Police, state game wardens and Piscataquis County sheriff’s deputies scaled back their search Monday evening for murder suspect Robert Burton, several hours after a camp owner confirmed seeing the Parkman man fleeing in a canoe or kayak.

Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety, said officers searched the woods and the waters around First and Second Davis ponds in North Guilford on Monday afternoon and evening, but didn’t find Burton or the watercraft he was last seen paddling.

McCausland said a camp owner saw Burton, 38, on his property around noon Monday. Burton ran toward the ponds before fleeing in a stolen canoe or kayak. He was wearing camouflage clothing and a black pack that had been strapped to the front of his body.

Monday’s confirmed sighting of Burton was the first since June 17, when he was seen walking along a snowmobile trail in Guilford. Burton is charged with murder in the death of his ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Ginn Gebo, 37, whose body was found in her Parkman home by her two children on June 5.

Burton lived in Gebo’s home at 46 Kulas Road until about a week before she was killed. He has eluded authorities since Gebo’s body was discovered.

Authorities have issued several warnings that Burton is considered armed and dangerous. Police said Burton abandoned his truck and stole another truck – which he also abandoned – during the course of the manhunt. They have repeatedly warned residents to lock their houses, vehicles and outbuildings.

Anyone who sees Burton is encouraged to contact the Maine State Police dispatch center in Bangor at 973-3700, or call 911.

Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at:

dhoey@pressherald.com

Twitter: DennisHoey

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