Matthew BurtonGEORGETOWN, Del.- A Sussex County, Del., man accused in the murder of Nicole Bennett has been extradited to Worcester County, Md., where he is being held without bond.
Twenty-eight-year-old Matthew Burton of Dagsboro, Del., is formally charged with first- and second-degree murder. During a bail review held Friday in Worcester County District Court, Judge Gerald Purnell ordered Burton remain locked up pending his next court appearance.
Authorities said Burton and Bennett both worked at Bay Shore Community Church near Millsboro. Bennett, a mother of three, was working late at church June 14, the last night she was heard from. Maryland State Police said Burton, who worked as a church janitor, was at Bay Shore that same night. Bennett's body was found on June 15 along a dirt road in Worcester County. Police investigating Bennett's murder said they found a ski mask, rope and gloves in Burton's vehicle.
Burton, a Tier I sex offender in Delaware, tried to fight his extradition to Maryland. However, a Delaware Superior Court judge on Thursday approved the extradition despite objections by his attorneys.
Worcester County State's Attorney Beau Oglesby said he requested Burton be held without bond given his out of state address, attempts to fight extradition and the "very real danger" that he poses to the community if allowed pre-trial release.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14.
