Maryland grand jury indicts Matthew Burton
A grand jury in Maryland has indicted Matthew N. Burton, 28, of Dagsboro on charges of rape and murder in the death of Nicole Bennett, a 35-year-old mother of three from Long Neck.
Burton, arrested outside Rehoboth Beach July 6 and placed in Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown, was initially charged with first- and second-degree murder. He was extradited from Sussex County to Maryland Aug. 16. He was denied bail in Maryland’s district court and committed to Worcester County Jail.
On Aug. 28, a Maryland grand jury indicted Burton on eight counts including first- and second-degree murder, rape in the first degree, rape in the second degree, sex offense in the fourth degree, kidnapping and assault in the first degree.
His initial hearing set for Friday, Sept. 14 in district court is now null.
Bill McDermott, spokesman for Maryland State’s Attorney for Worcester County Beau Oglesby, said district court has lost jurisdiction. “This matter is now within the sole jurisdiction of the circuit court,” he said.
Burton remains in jail in Snow Hill, Md.
Burton’s attorney, Flynn Owens of Baltimore, said he cannot address the new charges because he has not seen the evidence in the case. He said he plans to enter his appearance within the next week and will represent Burton in circuit court.
Burton’s preliminary hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19.
