The man accused of killing openly gay teenager Kristofer King is headed back to court.
Prosecutors say that in March 2006, John Ditullio broke into Patricia Wells’ nearby trailer and killed King, who was 17. The self-proclaimed neo-Nazi reportedly targeted Wells’ trailer because she associated with African-Americans and her son, who was not at home during the attack, was also openly gay. After a jury in December could not come up with a decision, Circuit Judge Michael Andrews scheduled a second trial to begin on March 22.
The 23-year-old is charged with first degree murder and attempted murder.
According to arrest reports, Ditullio was a member of the American Nazis living in a compound on Teak Street surrounded by guarded fences and adorned with swastikas and rebel flags. In the early morning of Mach 23, 2006, authorities allege that Ditullio broek into Wells’ home wearing a gas mask and attacked her with a knife. When she fled to the back bedroom, her attacker slashed at her face and hands and then went after King, who was seated at a computer. King died from multiple stab wounds to his head.
In December, jurors heard from Ditullio, who said he was not the killer and that he was framed by fellow neo-Nazis after a dispute within the compound. He said Shawn Plott, a fellow neo-Nazi, actually committed the stabbings.
Most of the jurors believed Ditullio. Ten of the 12 jurors believed he was innocent, but two were convinced he was guilty. After almost 11 hours of deliberation, Judge Andrews declared a hung jury.
If Ditullio is found guilty of the attack, he could face the death penalty.
