Matthew BurtonSNOW HILL, Md.- A Worcester County grand jury has returned an indictment against murder suspect Matthew Burton. The indictment, which was handed down Tuesday, shows the 28-year-old Dagsboro, Del., man is now accused of sex crimes against murder victim Nicole Bennett.
A search of court records shows that in addition to first- and second-degree murder, Burton is also facing charges of first- and second-degree rape, third- and fourth-degree sex offense, kidnapping and first-degree assault.
Bennett, 35, and a mother of three, was last heard from working late at Bay Shore Community Church near Millsboro, Del. Her body was found June 15 off a dirt road near Whaleyville, Md. Investigators arrested Burton, a church janitor and Tier I (low-risk) sex offender, as the suspect in Bennett's murder.
Burton's attorney declined comment on the indictment but said his client will plead not guilty.
The news comes as several fire halls in Sussex County, Del., will host a fundraiser for the Bennett family on Wednesday.
Burton is scheduled for an arraignment and initial appearance in Worcester County Circuit Court on Sept. 19.
