A Wilmington man has admitted guilt in a federal court for his role in a kidnapping that led to the death of a local resident. Kimon Burton-Roberson, 31, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly accepted the plea.
The incident occurred on July 21, 2021, when Burton-Roberson and accomplices entered a residence in Wilmington, Delaware, where they assaulted the victim with a blunt object and tied their hands with zip ties. The victim was forcibly taken from the residence, placed into Burton-Roberson's car, and driven across state lines into Pennsylvania. There, members of the conspiracy shot the victim in the head and left the body in an industrial park in Delaware County.
Burton-Roberson is scheduled for sentencing on April 24, 2025, facing up to life imprisonment. The sentence will be determined by Chief Judge Connolly after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss stated: “By working together across jurisdictions, federal and local law enforcement identified the perpetrator of this heinous crime and brought him to justice."
Yeadon Police Department expressed satisfaction in assisting with capturing Burton-Roberson: "We are pleased to be able to work together with our federal partners...in bringing this matter to a close."
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos highlighted the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies: "It is our hope that...this guilty plea will bring some measure of comfort to the family of the victim."
FBI Baltimore SAC William J. DelBagno commented on holding Burton-Roberson accountable: "With this plea...this type of violence is intolerable."
The investigation involved collaboration between several law enforcement agencies including FBI Wilmington Violent Crime Task Force and others.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce, Michelle L. Morgan, and Benjamin L. Wallace are prosecuting this case.
Further details can be found on official websites related to U.S Attorney’s Office for District of Delaware or via PACER under Case No. 22-CR-17-1-CFC.