A Virginia man was sentenced Friday to life in prison for the May 2024 murder of 22-year-old Seth Wallace, a killing prosecutors say was fueled by a personal falling out and escalating tensions between the two former friends.
Dustin Dove, 24, was convicted in April of first-degree murder, though he was initially charged with second-degree murder. Court records show his defense team admitted Dove shot Wallace but claimed he intended to injure, not kill. Wallace died less than three weeks later from complications related to his injuries.
From Close Friends to Bitter Enemies
Testimony in Waynesboro Circuit Court revealed that Dove and Wallace met at a Harrisonburg bar in 2022 and quickly became “inseparable.” But by early 2024, their friendship had soured.
According to defense attorneys, tensions began when Dove was jailed and convicted on drug charges in January 2024. During that time, Wallace allegedly acted “inappropriately” toward Dove’s girlfriend, 22-year-old Kaylee Turner. Turner later told Dove about Wallace’s behavior, and the couple cut him out of their lives.
Matters worsened when Dove violated parole in May 2024 and faced a return to jail. Prosecutors said Wallace began telling Turner that Dove had been unfaithful, further inflaming the situation. The men exchanged hostile text messages, some of which were read in court, including Wallace’s “Dog, I’m going to destroy you” and Dove’s “I’m going to get away with it.” Prosecutors also presented videos of Dove wearing a mask and holding the AR-15-style rifle later used in the shooting.
The Fatal Confrontation
In the early morning hours of May 24, 2024, Dove and Turner drove to Wallace’s home on D Street in Waynesboro. Prosecutors said Dove hid in a spot where he could see Wallace, then opened fire when Wallace appeared.
Investigators found 15 bullet casings at the scene; eight of the bullets struck Wallace, with wounds concentrated in his groin and lower torso. Police body camera footage showed Wallace conscious but gravely injured.
When asked who shot him, Wallace responded, “Dustin … Dustin,” identifying Dove as the shooter.
Wallace developed infections from his injuries, went into septic shock, and died less than three weeks later.
Aftermath and Arrest
Dove was arrested the day after the shooting, on May 25, 2024, after he and Turner traveled to West Virginia to visit her father and discuss the killing.
Prosecutors also revealed that months after Wallace’s death, Dove recorded a rap song over a jail phone line containing lyrics such as, “I don’t duck murders” and “He was my best friend, now he’s dead meat.”
Co-Defendant’s Pending Plea Deal
Turner was initially charged with accessory to first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. She was scheduled to appear in court Friday for a plea deal in connection with the case.
