Traci Burton stands by husband
In an email sent to all Sussex County employees, Traci Burton, wife of accused murderer Matthew N. Burton, asks for donations and says she will stand behind her husband.
A county employee since 2003, Traci Burton was in violation of the county’s email policy, said Chip Guy, spokesman for Sussex County officials. The email was recalled and Burton was told of the violation. Guy said Burton is still employed by the county in the building code department.
In the July 13 email, Burton writes: “Just to clear up any confusion about what exactly I am going through, I completely 100 percent believe in my husband and am trying to fight for him. I appreciate the concerns of everyone who has reached out to me, unfortunately since the case is pending, I am not allowed to talk about anything.”
The email continues, “Yesterday we found out that we are going to need to raise a lot of funds fast. If there is anyone willing or able to donate, we would greatly appreciate it. If you are unable to help in that capacity, prayers are just as appreciated. Please pray for the truth to prevail. Sincerely, Traci Burton.”
Burton’s husband, Matthew N. Burton, 28 of Dagsboro, is in Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown awaiting a Monday, Aug. 6 extradition hearing. Maryland authorities are seeking to have Burton extradited and held for trial there.
Burton was arrested July 6 outside Rehoboth Beach for the June 14 murder of Nicole Bennett, a 35-year-old mother of three. The murder victim, Bennett, who rented a home in the Peninsula at Long Neck with her husband Kevin, worked at Bay Shore Community Church outside Gumboro. The church also employed Burton, who worked as a part-time janitor.
Bennett’s body was found in the early morning hours of June 15 on an embankment outside Whaleyville, Md, just south of the Delaware border.
In a previous statement, Bay Shore church officials said Burton was released from employment, with his last day being June 14. The statement said at the time Burton was hired, the church was unaware of his previous arrests.
Danny Tice, lead pastor of Bay Shore Community Church’s Gumboro area location, added in a recent statement, “Following the arrest and charging of Matthew Burton for the murder of Nicole Bennett, Bay Shore Community Church will continue to cooperate with authorities in all respects. Bay Shore
Community Church awaits the outcome of the legal process involving Matthew Burton.”
The statement continues, “At the same time, Bay Shore Community Church continues to support Nicole's family with prayer.”
Burton was arrested in 2001 and 2004. In 2001 he was charged with conspiracy and criminal mischief. His 2004 charges included endangering the welfare of a child. As a result of his sentence in 2004, Burton was told to have no contact with two victims, who were under the age of 16 at the time of Burton’s arrest. He also agreed to be listed as a Tier 1 sex offender. Tier 1 offenders are considered low-level offenders and are not listed on Delaware’s online sex offender registry.
The Burtons have been married since 2002. The couple has two young children. Attorney John Garey of Dover represents the Burton family. Garey had no comment at this time.
