Matthew Dugan, a 34-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity from Toledo, Ohio, tragically died on August 13, 2008. He was working the night shift at a BP carryout and service station located at the intersection of Secor and Dorr Streets in Toledo when he was fatally shot. The incident occurred during an armed robbery. Dugan was born on August 1, 1974, and was employed with BP Oil Company for three months and also worked at Great Lakes Window Company.
Anthony Belton, along with two other
men, was involved in the robbery. According to court documents, Belton demanded cash and prepaid phone cards from Dugan. When Dugan handed over the money and phone cards, Belton shot him in the back of the head at close range. Dugan fell to the floor, and Belton fled the scene. Several customers entered and left the carryout after Dugan was shot, apparently without noticing his body behind the counter. A customer eventually discovered Dugan and called 9-1-1.
Police responded quickly and secured the scene. They identified Dugan as the victim and found that $600 and several prepaid phone cards were missing from the store. Detective William Goetz recovered a spent 9 mm shell casing near the scene. Belton was arrested and later convicted of aggravated murder and aggravated robbery. In 2009, he was sentenced to death for the crime. The Ohio Supreme Court upheld Belton's death sentence in 2016, affirming the conviction and sentence.
The case drew significant attention due to the brutality of the crime and the subsequent legal proceedings. Belton has made multiple claims since his sentencing, arguing that his death sentence was inappropriate and that he was unfairly convicted. However, the courts have consistently upheld the original verdict and sentence.
This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of violent crime on individuals and communities. Matthew Dugan's death serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and the ongoing efforts to ensure that those responsible for such crimes are held accountable.
