SCRANTON – Late last night a Lackawanna County jury found Donnell Brunson guilty of first-degree murder and related charges for the brutal beating and murder of Danielle Barbuti in Scranton’s Hill Section. He will spend the rest of his life in jail as he faces a mandatory life sentence and our community is safer because of it.
This verdict is a resounding victory for justice and a clear stand against domestic violence. This was a senseless, brutal act committed in the very place where the victim had every right to feel safe — her own home.
During trial prosecutors demonstrated that intimate partner violence is not just physical. It is emotional, psychological, and rooted in abuse and control. This case showed all of those elements, and it ended in the most tragic way possible. Meanwhile, the defense pushed an absurd, manufactured defense — trying to paint the victim as the aggressor and even suggested, unbelievably, that she was a satanic worshiper. That argument was not only untrue and offensive, it was ridiculous. It was a desperate attempt to vilify the victim and distract him from the truth of Brunson’s violence. The jury rejected it outright, and rightfully so.
Deputy District Attorney Sara Varela and Assistant District Attorney Chris Osborne dismantled those falsehoods with precision and power. Their advocacy on behalf of the victim and her family was exceptional, and their relentless pursuit of justice left no doubt in the courtroom. I also commend the outstanding work of lead investigators: Detective Jason Hyler, Deputy Chief Joe Lafferty, and Detective Kyle Gilmartin. As always, their investigation was thorough, professional, and essential in exposing the truth and delivering justice. It is truly a privilege and an honor to work alongside each of you. I am proud to be your partner and grateful for the dedication and teamwork you bring to keeping our community safe.
Murder trials are never won alone. The partnership between our prosecutors and police— from investigation to courtroom is the strongest it has ever been and it ensures success. This teamwork not only holds killers accountable but also strengthens community safety, sending a clear message: domestic abuse and violent crime will not be tolerated in Lackawanna County.
