Husband Stabbed 121 Times, Wife Sentenced to Prison

The wife of a decorated Fort Meade soldier who stabbed him 121 times has been sentenced to 10 years in prison during Tuesday court proceedings.

Johnnie Sutton III, 38, died in his Laurel home on Dec. 12, 2013, from multiple stab wounds to the chest. A few days later, Anne Arundel County Police arrested Marquita Berry-Sutton, 32 and charged her with second-degree murder.

The couple’s then 21-month-old child was present at the time of the attack, but was not injured, police said. The child is now in the custody of relatives.

Berry-Sutton pleaded guilty previously to second-degree murder in her husband’s death. The Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney office said she was sentenced to 30 years, with the judge suspending all but 10 years of the sentence.

Berry-Sutton said she fatally stabbed her husband after he tried to assault her, reports the Capital-Gazette. She said she used a stun gun against him, but then grabbed a knife.

Fort Meade officials said Sutton was a Florida native who joined the Army in 1994. During his career, he received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

»Photo of Marquita Berry-Sutton, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police