DC Mansion Murder Suspect Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment
— -- Darron Dellon Dennis Wint, the man accused of killing three family members and their housekeeper in Washington, D.C., last May, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment today.
Wint, 35, of Lanham, Maryland, also known as Daron Dylon Wint, was indicted on 20 felony charges Wednesday, including four counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed. Other counts include burglary, kidnapping, extortion, arson, and theft, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. If found guilty, Wint could face a mandatory 30 years up to a life sentence without parole for each of the 12 murder charges.
The indictment also charges Wint with “specified ‘aggravating circumstances,’ including one finding that the murders were especially heinous, atrocious or cruel,” according to the press release.
Wint is accused of killing Savvas Savopoulos, his wife, Amy Savopoulos, their son, Philip Savopoulos, and a household employee, Veralicia Figueroa, at their mansion in May 2015.
The father of Amy Savopoulos attended the hearing but declined to speak to reporters.
Wint was arrested a little more than a week after the murders and has been in custody ever since. He was initially charged with just one count of first-degree murder while armed in the death of Savvas Savopoulos, according to the press release.
Wint allegedly "seized and kidnapped the four victims, stole $40,000 through means of extortion, murdered the victims, and set fire to the house," according to the press release.
Authorities discovered the bodies inside when fire crews responded to the burning mansion.
The investigation into the murders is ongoing. A status hearing has been scheduled for May 20.
