Delaware State News

Update: Del. State Police release name of homicide victim

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:23:00 +0000

Delaware State Police have identified the Beaumont, Texas man who died of a gunshot wound Saturday Dec. 9th, after he drove through a school fence.

"Feet on the Street": changing Smyrna in 6 weeks

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 02:59:00 +0000

Contamination in recycling is having non recyclable items in a recycling bin, compromising the items that could have been reused in the future.

It's wine o'clock somewhere... unless you want to buy it online and you live in Delaware

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 02:16:00 +0000

As it stands now, Delaware residents can only buy their wine in stores, at wineries, or by jumping through several hoops, but not by simply buying it online like 47 other states can.

Delaware State University, Magic Johnson, Sallie Mae raise $3 million in scholarships

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 02:11:00 +0000

Delaware State University's Scholarship Ball raised $3 million this past Saturday.

Troopers Identify Homicide Victim Found At Middle School

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 22:08:29 +0000

The Delaware State Police are investigating a homicide in Wilmington after one man was found dead in a vehicle Saturday night.

Officials said on December 9, 2023, at approximately 7:17 p.m., troopers responded to Eagle Tobacco Shop located at 3505 Miller Road in Wilmington, for a report of a shooting. When police arrived, there were indications of a shooting. However, no victims were located.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was in his vehicle and parked in the parking lot of Eagle Tobacco Shop. A dark-colored SUV entered and parked in the parking lot. An occupant of the dark-colored SUV fired several rounds at the victim and then fled the scene in an unknown direction police said.

The victim then drove to P.S. Dupont Middle School, where he crashed through a fence and came to rest on the school property. When police located the victim, they noticed he was suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. The victim, 22-year-old Malik Benson, of Beaumont, Texas, died at the scene.

The Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. Timmons by calling 302-365-8434 or emailing brian.timmons@delaware.gov.

Breaking Report

On Saturday evening at approximately 7:30, 911 dispatchers were notified about an unresponsive male found in a vehicle behind P.S. DuPont Middle School in Wilmington.

Upon arrival, officers reportedly discovered a man in the vehicle who had suffered gunshot wounds. Despite the quick response by rescue crews, they were unable to assist the help the patient. He was declared deceased at the scene.

Readers report a heavy police response, involving multiple agencies. This story will be updated with additional details as they become available.

VIDEO | Granting the holiday wishes of kids in foster families

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 20:15:00 +0000

The Delaware Department of Justice and the Division of Family Services are working like Santa's elves to make sure that foster children experience some holiday joy.

Independent report recommends changes in how Delaware funds public schools

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 19:15:00 +0000

Delaware needs to invest more into public education - up to $1-billion more - and make sure resources are distributed more based on the needs of students...Those are a few of the recommendations in a report on the state's school…

Clerk Robbed At Gunpoint At Kirkwood Highway Shop

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 19:01:02 +0000

The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred Tuesday night at a Kirkwood Highway smoke shop.

Officials said on December 12, 2023, at approximately 7:55 p.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Apollo Smoke Shop located at 3613 Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington.

The investigation revealed an unknown white male suspect approached an employee in the store, pulled a handgun from his waistband, and demanded the employee empty the cash register. The victim complied and the suspect fled on foot eastbound towards Greenbank Road with an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect is described as a white male armed with a handgun.

Department Adds New Test Options and Increases Fees for Seed Lab

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:06:01 +0000

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced beginning January 2, 2024, their seed laboratory will offer additional testing service options to assist producers. For the first time since 1999, DDA is increasing fees for services performed by the DDA Seed Lab.

FY2025 Grant Applications for Delaware Arts & Community-Based Organizations, Schools Now Open

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:38:06 +0000

The Delaware Division of the Arts has opened its annual online application process for grants for arts programming and projects taking place during fiscal year 2025 (September 2024 – August 2025). Applications will be submitted through the smARTDE online system and are due by 4:30 p.m. EST on Friday, March 1, 2024. New to smARTDE? […]

Hunter Biden defies congressional subpoena to appear privately for deposition with GOP investigators

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:25:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden on Wednesday defied a congressional subpoena to appear privately for a deposition before Republican investigators who have been digging into his business dealings, insisting outside the U.S. Capitol that he will only testify in public.

VIDEO | The warmest event of the holidays

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Children at two Red Clay School District elementary schools will have a warmer winter thanks to a cooperative effort spearheaded by the group Sam's Kids, and Harvey Hanna and Associates, in a partnership with Operation Warm.

Reported Stabbing Sends One To Hospital By Air Wednesday

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:52:58 +0000

Just before 8:30 AM, emergency services were dispatched to a reported stabbing incident on Ashland Drive in Milton.

The response teams included rescue crews from the Lewes Fire Department, Sussex County Paramedics, and Delaware State Police Aviation’s Trooper 2.

According to initial reports from the scene, one individual was injured and subsequently transported by Trooper 2 helicopter to a trauma center in New Castle County.

The current condition of the victim and details surrounding the incident remain unclear as this is an ongoing situation.

Further information will be released when authorities provide those delatils

Delaware Association for Environmental Education Seeks Presentations and Award Nominations

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:33:38 +0000

DOVER, Del. (December 13, 2023) – The Delaware Association for Environmental Education (DAEE) is holding its 15th Annual Conference with a focus on “Nature Access for All!” on February 24, 2024, at Fred Fifer III Middle School in Camden. The keynote speaker will be Dr. McKay Jenkins, noted author and University of Delaware professor. Todd […]

Three Teens, 13,14,15 Charged In Mall Robbery

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:59:03 +0000

Delaware State Police have arrested three Delaware teenagers, 13, 14, and 15 years old, for a robbery that occurred earlier this month at the Christiana Mall.

Officials said on December 3, 2023, troopers were notified of a robbery that occurred the previous day in the parking lot of Target located at 800 Christiana Mall in Newark. During the investigation, troopers discovered that on December 2, 2023, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the teenage victim was at the bus stop near Target when he was approached by multiple suspects. Two of the suspects, a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, both from Wilmington, pushed the victim and held his arms while a 13-year-old New Castle teen stole the victim’s phone police said. While investigating the robbery on December 3, 2023, Christiana Mall Security advised troopers the suspects from the robbery, as identified by the mall’s video surveillance, had returned to the property. Troopers located the 13-year-old and the 15-year-old inside the mall, and they were taken into custody without incident.

The 13-year-old and 15-year-old were taken to Troop 2, where they were both charged with the following crimes:

Robbery Second Degree (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

Both were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11. The 13-year-old teen was committed to the New Castle County Detention Center on a $5,000 secured bond. The 15-year-old teen was released to a parent after posting a $5,000 secured bond.

Through investigative means, Troop 2 Robbery Detectives identified the 14-year-old teen as the third suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest. On December 11, 2023, the 14-year-old teen was located and arrested by detectives. The teen was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the following crimes:

Robbery Second Degree (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

The 14-year-old was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the New Castle County Detention Center on an $8,000 cash bond.

Appoquinimink voters reject referendum, including three new schools

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 02:30:00 +0000

Voters in the Appoquinimink School District rejected all three parts of a referendum that would have paid for three new schools and increased staff pay.

Teen Struck And Injured During Carjacking In Dover

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:31:37 +0000

The Dover Police Department is investigating a carjacking that occurred at Hollywood Diner Saturday evening.

The investigation began when Dover Police Department received a call for a stolen vehicle at the restaurant at 5:28 p.m. Officers responded and contacted the victim, a 17-year-old female of New York, who advised that she was sitting in the passenger seat of a running vehicle when a black male entered the driver’s seat and began to back out of the parking lot.

The victim exited the vehicle in an attempt to escape, and the vehicle continued backing up, causing the vehicle to strike the victim’s legs. The victim was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus and treated for minor injuries. The vehicle was located unoccupied at an apartment complex in Dover shortly after the incident. The suspect is described as a black male wearing all-black clothing.

Update: Union representing janitors in Wilmington and New Castle Co. announces contract agreement

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:59:00 +0000

Hundreds of unionized janitors in Wilmington and New Castle County will be working under a new contract.

Santa, Delaware Natural Resources Police Team up for Advance Delivery of Happy Holidays Through Toys For Tots Program

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:13:16 +0000

DNRP officers and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin welcomed Santa Claus, who arrived by police boat at DNREC’s Indian River Marina bearing toys donated to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign by the public and DNREC staff.

VIDEO | New school-based wellness center opens at Brookside Elementary School

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 20:45:00 +0000

A Newark-area school is now better-equipped to address the health- and mental health-related concerns of its students.

Roof rescue in Newark

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:31:00 +0000

Firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and specialized technicians, worked together for about an hour Tuesday morning December, 12, 2023, to rescue a man who had gone into cardiac arrest on the roof of a commercial structure.

Dover PD investigating carjacking at Hollywood Diner

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 16:43:00 +0000

Dover Police are investigating a carjacking that occurred at Hollywood Diner Saturday evening.

Serious crash injures one in Pike Creek

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 14:30:00 +0000

One person was seriously injured following a crash Tuesday morning, December 12, 2023, on Limestone Road next to Carousel Park in Pike Creek.

LEADelaware Seats Twelve Fellows for Class VII

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 13:38:30 +0000

Following an extensive application and interview process, LEADelaware has seated 12 fellows representing Delaware’s agriculture industry, who will begin a 2-year journey to develop leadership skills within the food, fiber, and natural resources industries. The program offers unique learning opportunities where fellows will do site visits, attend seminars and expert panels, and participate in team activities and workshops. At the end of the program, the cohort will go on an international agriculture study trip to be determined in 2025.

State Releases Education Funding Study

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 12:05:53 +0000

An independent study of Delaware’s education funding system has yielded recommendations for policymakers.

Third-straight property tax increase among new charges for Newark residents

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 04:54:00 +0000

City of Newark residents will see property taxes go up for a third-straight year, as Newark City Council discussed how they can draw more revenue into Delaware's third-largest city.

Man injured in machinery accident near New Castle

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 04:45:00 +0000

A 30-year-old man is in serious condition after he was injured in an industrial accident Monday evening north of New Castle.

Delaware Supreme Court says out-of-state convictions don't bar expungement of in-state offenses

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 22:10:00 +0000

DOVER, Del. (AP) — A divided Delaware Supreme Court has reversed a lower court's denial of expungement applications filed by three men because of their convictions in other states.

DNREC to Dredge Assawoman Canal and Complete White Creek Project to Improve Navigability on Sussex County Waterways

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:28:31 +0000

DNREC announced today that two vital dredging projects in southern Delaware are set to begin around the new year.

VIDEO | Christmas for Kids spreads plenty of toy joy

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:45:00 +0000

The New Castle County community again stepped up to support Christmas for Kids in 2023.

DPH Reminds Residents to “Spread Joy Not Germs” This Holiday Season

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:23:26 +0000

DOVER, Del. (Dec. 11, 2023) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) takes the safety and well-being of all Delawareans seriously. With COVID-19, flu and RSV all prevalent this time of year, DPH is actively educating residents about how to mitigate exposure and transmission of these respiratory viruses. Keeping in the spirit of the holiday season, […]

Services set for former DuPont CEO

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Christ Church in Greenville for Edgar S. Woolard, Junior, the former CEO of the Dupont Company who died last week at his home in Florida.

Wilmington Police bust pot dealer in West Center City

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Wilmington Police said they've arrested a 32-year old man following an investigation into drug sales in the West Center City area.

Colorado and Delaware Enter Partnership for Automatic Retirement Savings

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:42:53 +0000

The Partnership for a Dignified Retirement expands with the addition of Delaware EARNS DENVER, COLORADO: Last week, the Colorado SecureSavings Program and Delaware EARNS established a partnership to help more savers prepare for their future retirement. “This is an important step towards expanding sustainable and dignified retirement options across the nation. We appreciate the vote […]

Firefighters battle two alarmer all night in Cecil County

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:18:00 +0000

It was a long night for firefighters from four counties fighting a two alarm commercial structure fire in Elkton, Maryland.

Record number of local pets have homes for the holidays

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) said it has set a record for pet adoptions as a result of their four state mega adoption event on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10, 2023.

Texas man shot to death in North Wilmington

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is investigating the shooting death of a Texas man Saturday night, December 9, 2023.

Homicide Investigation: Texas Man Found Dead At Local Middle School Saturday

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 23:32:06 +0000

The Delaware State Police are investigating a homicide in Wilmington after one man was found dead in a vehicle Saturday night.

The victim then drove to P.S. Dupont Middle School, where he crashed through a fence and came to rest on the school property. When police located the victim, they noticed he was suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. The victim, a 22-year-old man from Texas, died at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

Breaking Report

On Saturday evening at approximately 7:30, 911 dispatchers were notified about an unresponsive male found in a vehicle behind P.S. DuPont Middle School in Wilmington.

Readers report a heavy police response, involving multiple agencies. This story will be updated with additional details as they become available.

Man Found Dead Inside Vehicle Behind Middle School

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 12:34:45 +0000

On Saturday evening at approximately 7:30, 911 dispatchers were notified about an unresponsive male found in a vehicle behind P.S. DuPont Middle School in Wilmington.

Readers report a heavy police response, involving multiple agencies. This story will be updated with additional details as they become available.

Del. Paid Family & Medical Leave Program: what employers should know

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

The window will soon close for Delaware employers that want to maintain their private paid leave programs, under the law known as the "Healthy Delaware Families Act."

Tax charges in Hunter Biden case are rarely filed, but could have deep political reverberations

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 14:40:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden has been hit with new criminal charges in California accusing him of scheming to avoid paying his taxes while spending lavishly on everything from luxury hotels to escorts to exotic cars.

Dover Man Shot Friday Morning

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:38:17 +0000

The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that left a 25-year-old male from Dover injured early Friday morning.

The investigation began at 2:04 a.m. when Dover Police was called for multiple shots fired in the area of Village Drive and Quail Hollow Drive.

Officers responded to the area and located the victim who had sustained a gunshot wound to his upper body. The victim was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus for treatment of his injuries.

There are no leads or suspect descriptions at this time.

Complaint alleges some behind bars are illegally being denied their right to vote

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 09:30:00 +0000

A court complaint alleges that the rights of certain incarcerated individuals to vote in elections are not being preserved in Delaware.

Double Life Sentences For Convicted Cop Killer

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 22:24:00 +0000

(Georgetown, DE) -- A convicted cop killer will never get out of prison.

Elsmere Christmas Parade canceled due to wet forecast Sunday; Breakfast With Santa still on

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:45:00 +0000

An expected Sunday soaker has led to cancellation of the Elsmere Christmas Parade - again.

VIDEO | "This will save lives" - Video 911 call service comes to New Castle Co.

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:15:00 +0000

New Castle County emergency communications dispatchers will be able to get a better idea of what's going on at the other end of a 911, thanks to a new video livestream option. How does it work?

Troopers Release Details In Assualt On Officers Last Sunday

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 19:59:34 +0000

Delaware State Police have released details regarding an incident that only First State Update reported last weekend.

Troopers say they arrested a 22-year-old Newark woman and 31-year-old James Wright of Wilmington, for felony assault and resisting arrest on Saturday evening.

Officials said on December 2, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a trooper responded to the Best Night Inn located at 1200 West Avenue in New Castle, for a report of a physical domestic.

When the trooper arrived, he spoke to a 22-year-old woman who wanted to discuss what happened. During the investigation, the trooper discovered that the woman’s boyfriend, identified as James Wright, had punched her in the face multiple times outside of their motel room police said. While the trooper was obtaining information from the woman, Wright repeatedly approached them and made statements about fighting the trooper. The trooper attempted to detain Wright after he did not comply with multiple verbal commands. Wright began resisting and a physical struggle ensued. Wright punched the trooper in the face numerous times and ripped his uniform shirt police said.

As Wright continued fighting, the woman began hitting the trooper with her closed fists. Officers from Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) arrived at the scene to assist the trooper with taking Wright into custody. In the continued struggle, Wright and the woman hit multiple DRBA Officers, causing injuries to them. Wright and the woman were ultimately taken into custody and transported to Troop 2, where they were charged with multiple offenses. To protect a victim of domestic violence, the 22-year-old woman’s name and photograph are being withheld.

The woman was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released on a $1,500 unsecured bond.

Assault 2^nd Injure a Law Enforcement Officer (Felony)
Resisting Arrest with Force (Felony)
Disorderly Conduct

James Wright was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released on a $12,000 unsecured bond.

Breaking report from Sunday

Two Delaware State Troopers were reportedly injured on Saturday night during a response to a domestic dispute at the Best Night’s Inn on Route 9 in New Castle, sources tell FSU.

The incident occurred shortly before 10:00 PM when troopers were called to the scene. According to law enforcement sources, while attempting to take two individuals into custody, a group reportedly surrounded the troopers, leading to a call for additional assistance. A reader who passed the scene reported seeing at least 20 patrol vehicles.

Two troopers were injured during a scuffle according to sources. There are also unconfirmed reports of officers from other assisting agencies being assaulted during the incident. However, those details could not be confirmed.

Our understanding is that the injuries to all parties involved were minor.

At least one person was taken into custody and transported to jail.

Exhibit at the Delaware Public Archives: Celebrating Emily Bissell, “The Christmas Seal Story”

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 18:30:26 +0000

This holiday season the Delaware Public Archives will present an exhibit “Celebrating Emily Bissell: The Christmas Seal Story.” The exhibit chronicles the beginning of Christmas Seals, and presents historic Christmas Seals, scrap books, photographs and documents related to Ms. Bissell’s efforts to foster public interest and gain support to raise funds to battle tuberculosis.

Gov. Carney's Mayoral campaign soliciting donations

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 18:08:00 +0000

Delaware Governor John Carney's campaign for Wilmington Mayor is starting to take shape.

Man Found Reportedly Shot In Kent County Friday Morning

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:03:26 +0000

Authorities are currently investigating an incident that took place early Friday morning.

Just after 2:00 AM, Police and rescue crews from St. Francis and Kent County Paramedics responded to the intersection of Village Drive and Quail Hollow in Dover for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, first responders reportedly found a young male in his twenties suffering from gunshot wounds to his torso.

As of now, the police have not released detailed information about the incident.

The condition of the victim is currently unknown.

This is a developing story.