Clay County Jury Finds Danny Dustin Guilty of Murdering his Father

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Clay County jury found Danny Dustin guilty of Second-Degree Murder with a Weapon. With the verdict, Dustin faces a mandatory life sentence in Florida State Prison as a designated Prison Releasee Reoffender. The Honorable James Kallaher will formally sentence Dustin at a later date.

Around 5:30 p.m. March 6, 2020, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from Dustin calling for help at his Wren Lane home. When officers arrived, they heard Dustin calling for help from inside and they entered the home to find the victim — Dustin’s father — suffering from more than 20 stab wounds, including 13 stab wounds to the head and neck; he died from his injuries. Dustin was taken to the hospital for observation due to his altered mental state and intoxication. A search warrant was obtained, and detectives processed the scene and found three knives used in the murder. The investigation revealed Dustin recorded himself while intoxicated and arguing with his father on Facebook Live the afternoon of March 6. The scene indicated that his father was sitting in his recliner when Dustin began stabbing him.

The case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Ashley Terry and Jamie Cona.