Man Convicted of Firearm Straw Purchase in Connection with 2024 Shooting

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – A Salisbury man has been convicted for firearm straw purchase and illegal possession of a firearm.

On Nov. 16, 2024, 35-year-old Terrance Terrone White, Jr. illegally obtained a gun and gave it to Dequan Bratten, who went on to shoot his estranged wife four times.

On Wednesday, Nov. 19, White was convicted after a three day jury trial presided over by Associate Judge M. Maciarello.

“He was convicted of possessing the firearm making an illegal sale, basically, and possessing the firearm illegally based on his prior record,” said Wicomico County Deputy State’s Attorney, Scott Messersmith, explaining the charges. 

Messersmith said White had a record sufficient enough that prohibited him from possessing the firearm. The state also argued that White was an accomplice to the attempted murder.

“The state never asserted that Mr. White was present at the shooting scene. His liability, we argued, was by virtue of his, preceding interactions with Mr. Bratten.” said Messersmith. “[The jury] considered all the evidence, and they reached the verdict that they reached, which is how the system works. And we respect that process and their verdict.”

County leaders like Sheriff Mike Lewis and State’s Attorney (SA) Jamie L. Dykes believe justice was served in this case.

“Any time you, give a gun to a criminal, a known criminal, to commit a crime knowing their propensity to commit a crime. And you do that, you got to be held accountable for that 100%.” said Sheriff Lewis. 

“Those who deal in illegal firearms create a significant public safety risk to our community and they will be held accountable,” said SA Dykes. “Terrance White’s conviction reflects the unwavering commitment of Wicomico County law enforcement and my Office to holding violent offenders accountable and to protecting our community.”

White could face up to 20 years in prison. He will learn his fate once a post-conviction investigation is complete.