SPARTANBURG MAN RECEIVES LIFE SENTENCE FOR STABBING DEATH OF PROSECUTOR’S GRANDMOTHER

A Spartanburg man received a life sentence today for stabbing an elderly woman to death during an armed hold-up.

Donald Burton, 47, was found guilty of murder and armed robbery at the conclusion of a three-day trial. Jurors, after deliberating about 30 minutes, concluded that Burton stabbed Sallie Gray McMchael, 83, on May 4, 2006. The attack occurred in McMichael's apartment home at 764 N. Church St. commonly referred to as the Archibald Rutledge apartment building. Ms. McMichael was the grandmother of 7th Circuit assistant Solicitor Abel Gray.

Burton, who was a resident of the same apartment building, knocked on the door of McMichael's home and asked to borrow $5. When Ms. McMichael said she didn't have any money, Burton stabbed her twice with a butcher knife. He took an undetermined amount of money and left the apartment without calling for help. McMichael identified Burton as her attacker when she was found in her apartment a short time later.

Spartanburg Public Safety investigators found Burton in his apartment after the attack. During his first interview with police, he denied any involvement in the crime and then later claimed the stabbing was an accident. McMichael died 10 days later at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

Burton will serve every day of the prison sentence. He is not eligible for parole. Solicitor Trey Gowdy and Principal Deputy Solicitor Barry Barnette prosecuted the case. Gowdy said the killing was senseless and hopes the verdict and sentence will provide some measure of closure for the family, friends and loved one of Ms. McMichael.