DOVER, Del. – A Dover man has been sentenced to life plus 70 years for a brutal assault and murder in 2021. 32-year-old Ronald Suber, along with his girlfriend, Tori Balfour, Anna Hurst, and Brian May, operated a catalytic converter theft ring. Suber suspected Hurst of providing incriminating information to the police about the ring.

On August 20, 2021, Suber and Balfour confronted Hurst and May in a cornfield along Dyke Branch Road. Suber shot Hurst in the hand and chest as she tried to back away, ultimately beating her to death with a tire iron. He also shot at May, who was able to escape into the cornfield.

Last month, Suber was sentenced to life plus 70 years for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a felony, tampering with a witness, and second-degree conspiracy. The sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes committed by Suber and his associates. The murder and assault have had a profound impact on the victims’ families and the community.

This case sheds light on the prevalence of organized crime and violence in the region. It also underscores the need for enhanced measures to dismantle criminal enterprises and address the root causes of such criminal activities. The harsh sentencing sends a powerful message that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated in the community. It is a step towards achieving justice for the victims and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.