Dionte Dutton convicted in 2017 Murder

SALISBURY, Md. – Dionte Dutton was found guilty of second degree murder, among other charges, in connection to a crime that happened over 2 years ago, on Monday.

“The homicide took place in June of 2017, so we’ve been doing this a long time, actively investigating this case, and we’re really pleased with the outcome,” Kristen Ross, Senior Assistant State’s Attorney for Wicomico County, said.

Ross and Patrizia Coletta, the other Senior Assistant State’s Attorney that prosecuted the case, say that outcome wouldn’t be possible without help from across the entire state of Maryland.

“This investigation involved a lot of resources, it was a collaborative effort between many different agencies from the FBI, to the Maryland State police, state’s attorneys office, Salisbury city police department,” Coletta said.

All of those resources and one key piece of new technology lead to the verdict that was handed down after nearly five hours of deliberation.

“This is the first case of its kind where we utilized a wire tap to solve a homicide,” Coletta said, explaining the technology used.

And while the jury found Dutton not guilty of first degree homicide, state attorneys say the verdict is still a good one.

“We’re very happy with the verdict, it’s been a very long journey and this case and the co-defendant’s case, I think, sends a message that we’re going to do whatever we need to do to get these cases solved,” Ross said.

Dutton was held without bond, meaning he’ll stay behind bars until the judge sets a sentencing date. Dutton is the second person convicted in this murder. Back in May, Lee Braboy was convicted of first degree murder for his role in the shooting.