In Feburary, 1999, Dexter Lee Vinson of Suffolk, VA was sentenced to death for the May 1996 capital murdre of his ex-girlfriend, Angela Felton. He was also convicted of object sexual penetration, abduction with the intent to defile, and car jacking. He recieved a life sentence for each non-capital offense. Mental health experts testified that Vinson suffered from "intermittent explosive disorder" which rendered him incapable of conforming his conduct to lawful requirements at the time of the offenses. Vinson was 34 years old when the crimes were committed.

Vinson's appeals of his convictions and death sentence were denied by both the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia. On appeal, Vinson contended that the trial court erred in refusing to grant him a DNA expert to assist with his case. A blood stain matching the victim's DNA was found on a pair of Vinson's shorts. The shorts met the description of the clothing said to be worn by the perpetrator. The Supreme Court of Virginia affirmed the trial court's decision reasoning that Vinson had failed to show the required need for DNA expert assistance. Vinson also argued that the trial court erred in failing to exclude a juror who initially stated that she would "probably" automatically impose the death penalty if Vinson were found guilty. The Supreme Court of Virginia refused to upset the trial judge's finding that the juror could be impartial. Vinson raised several other issues, but the Supreme Court of Virginia declined hearing them due to procedural default. Among those issues was Vinson's argument that the juror verdict form was defective to the extent that the jury's intent could not be deduced.

During the sentencing phase of the trial, Vinson's high school band teacher, mother, step-father, former construction work supervisor, and minister all testified on his behalf. Vinson was described as a "mentor" to a blind student, "loved" by the victim's children, and as one who would do "anything for anybody at work."

Dexter Lee Vinson has been on death row since February 11, 1999.