TOPEKA – A Barton County court Thursday sentenced 44-year-old Lyndsay Nichole George to life in prison, according to Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.
On Oct. 8, 2021, officers and firefighters responded to a fire at 59-year-old Teresa Dutton's home in the 2800 block of 29th Street in Great Bend.
First responders found Dutton inside and despite performing life-saving measures she died. A preliminary investigation of the incident, arson was determined to be the cause of the fire. Investigators also determined that the Dutton's death was the result of foul play, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
Later that morning, the Great Bend Police Department responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Adams Street in Great Bend in reference to an aggravated burglary and battery related to the arson, homicide investigation.
The suspect left that area on foot and at approximately 8:12 a.m. was reported to be at Park Elementary School, 1801 Williams Street. Police officers located the suspect identified as Lyndsay George, in the 2000 Block of 19th Street.
After a physical altercation with police officers, George was arrested. After further investigation and interviews, George was booked into the Barton County jail on requested charges of murder in the 1st degree, aggravated arson, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, aggravated burglary, battery and criminal trespass.
During the course of the investigation, members of the Great Bend Police Department, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Barton County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Fire Marshal's Office and the A.T.F. obtained and executed search warrants in the 2800 block of 29th Street and at the Traveler's Budget Inn located at 4200 10th Street in Great Bend.
During the execution and thorough search of those locations, items of evidence were located and seized.
On July 6, 2023, George was found guilty of murder in the first degree for Dutton's death.
In addition to being sentenced to murder in the first degree, George was also sentenced for other crimes associated with the murder: aggravated arson, aggravated burglary, assault on a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, battery, and cruelty to animals.
She was ordered to pay $5,990 in restitution for crime victim's compensation.
"The statements by Teresa Dutton's family members in court highlighted her compassion and empathy for others," Deputy Attorney General Vic Braden said. "The sentencing handed down by the court provided appropriate legal accountability for the murder of Teresa."
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, assisted by the Great Bend Police Department, investigated the crime. Braden and Assistant Attorney General Adam Brewer presented the state's case.