Hopewell Police: Man linked to 2023 murder was already jailed on unrelated conviction

HOPEWELL – A Sussex County man already being held for a weapons charge has now been linked to a murder last fall in the city.

Devon Lamont Mabry, 27, of Stony Creek, was arrested Wednesday at Riverside Regional Jail in Prince George County where he was being held for an unrelated incident, Hopewell Police Lt. Jacquita Allen said in an email. Mabry was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Marciano Thorne, 21, was shot Oct. 3, 2023, at the intersection of Winston Churchill Drive and Liberty Avenue, according to police reports. Officers found him unconscious in the 1100 block of High Avenue several blocks from where he was shot.

Thorne was taken to TriCities Hospital in Hopewell where he later died.

Mabry was already jailed for a gun possession charge stemming from an April 2023 incident in Hopewell. He pleaded guilty to that charge two months ago and was sentenced to five years with three years and 11 months suspended.

An investigation into the murder is continuing. Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Detective William Martin at (804) 541-2284. Information can be shared anonymously through Crime Solvers at (804) 541-2202 or the P3Tips mobile app.