Waynesboro, VA – A Virginia man, Dustin Dove, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his ex-best friend, Seth Wallace. The tragic killing, which unfolded in May 2024, stemmed from a heated dispute allegedly involving a love triangle.
Murder Conviction and Sentence
Dove, 24, was convicted in April of first-degree murder after shooting 22-year-old Seth Wallace. Despite initially being charged with second-degree murder, Dove’s defense admitted that he shot Wallace but claimed his intention was only to injure, not to kill. However, Wallace succumbed to his injuries less than three weeks after the shooting. The Waynesboro Circuit Court sentenced Dove to life in prison on Friday morning, as reported by Harrisonburg ABC affiliate WHSV.
The Events Leading Up to the Shooting
The roots of this deadly confrontation go back to 2022, when Dove and Wallace first met at a Harrisonburg bar and became inseparable. Their friendship, however, began to unravel in January 2024 after Dove’s arrest on drug charges. Following his conviction, Wallace allegedly became inappropriate with Dove’s girlfriend, Kaylee Turner. When Turner confided in Dove about Wallace’s actions, they decided to cut Wallace out of their lives.
According to Dove’s defense attorney, tensions escalated further after Dove violated his parole in May, which led to an impending return to jail. Wallace, allegedly trying to manipulate Turner, claimed that Dove was cheating on her, intensifying the emotions between the two men. The verbal exchanges turned nastier, with Wallace reportedly making offensive comments about Dove’s mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer.
The Shooting and Aftermath
On the morning of May 24, 2024, Dove and Turner drove to Wallace’s home on D Street in Waynesboro. At about 4 a.m., Dove, positioned in a hidden location, shot Wallace multiple times, with fifteen bullet casings later recovered from the scene. The shooting, which primarily targeted Wallace’s groin and lower torso, left him gravely wounded.
Body camera footage from Waynesboro police shows Wallace still conscious after the shooting. When officers asked, “Who shot you?”, Wallace managed to reply, “Dustin.” This helped lead to Dove’s arrest on May 25, 2024.
Dove’s Confession and Disturbing Behavior
In the days following the murder, Dove and Turner fled to West Virginia, where they spoke about the crime. Disturbingly, Dove later wrote and performed a rap song while in jail, with lyrics that included, “I don’t duck murders” and “He was my best friend, now he’s dead meat.” This bizarre act further illustrated the callous nature of the crime.
Turner’s Plea Deal and Wallace’s Legacy
Turner, who was also involved in the case, was set to appear in court on Friday for a plea deal. She faced charges of accessory to first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
A GoFundMe set up for Wallace described him as “too young to be taken” and noted that he was only just starting to enjoy life as a young man before his tragic death.
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