Delaware State Police
News Release

Update #2 on Laurel Home Invasion – Remaining Suspects Arrested

Released Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Laurel – The Delaware State Police have arrested the remaining two suspects sought in connection with the weekend home invasion in Laurel. Jeremy I. Burns turned himself into investigators this morning at Troop 4 and Avian M. Smith turned himself into Troop 4 last evening. Both He was were charged with the following offenses:         

·        Smith - 3 counts of Robbery 1^st degree, Burglary 1^st degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of Ammunition by Person Prohibited, 2 counts of Assault 2^nd degree, Wearing a Disguise During Commission of a Felony, Theft of a Firearm, Conspiracy 2^nd Degree, Criminal Mischief, 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Malicious Interference of a 911 call and Offensive Touching.

·        Burns - 3 counts of Robbery 1^st degree, Burglary 1^st degree, Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited, Possession of Ammunition by Person Prohibited, 2 counts of Assault 2^nd degree, Wearing a Disguise During Commission of a Felony, Theft of a Firearm, Conspiracy 2^nd Degree, Criminal Mischief, 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Malicious Interference of a 911 call and Offensive Touching

Prior Releases

Update Home Invasion Laurel Delaware

Released Sunday January 25, 2009, 6:05 pm

Delaware State Police now have Stacy Paul-21of Mount Pleasant road Laurel, Delaware in custody.  State Police are interviewing Paul relative to the home invasion investigation.  The specifics of the investigation and interview are not currently available for release because of the ongoing investigation.  Paul was arraigned and released on $66,000 unsecured bond pending a later court appearance. 

State Police Searching for Home Invasion Suspects Released Sunday January 25, 2009, 9:45 am

Location: 28000 block Boyce road, Laurel Village Mobile Home Park, Laurel, Delaware

Date and Time: Saturday January 24, 10:55 pm

Suspects: Jeremy I. Burns WM-25, 800 block West St. Laurel, De.

Avian M. Smith BM-24, 100 block Goldrush Lane, Hurlock, Md.

Stacy Paul WF-21, 32000 block Mount Pleasant Rd. Laurel, De.           

6-Victims: All of the victims are from Laurel, Delaware.  The ages are two 30 year old males, 23 year old male, 18 year old female, 7 year old male, 2 year old female.

Resume: Delaware State Police responded to a home invasion which occurred on the 28000 block of Boyce road, Laurel, Delaware.  The home was invaded by approximately 6 suspects who entered the residence after breaking open the front door to the residence.  Once inside the suspects vandalized the residence apparently looking for a gun. 

The 23-year-old male victim identified suspects Jeremy I. Burns and Avian M. Smith as two of the perpetrators committing the crime.  The other suspects are described as a WM, two black males wearing ski masks and a 3rd unidentified black male.  It should be noted that one of the black males is approximately 7 feet tall. 

During the home invasion, several of the victims received injuries from being assaulted by the suspects.  The victims were taken to Nanticoke Hospital Seaford, Delaware for treatment and are listed in good condition.  The injuries ranged from a black eye to abrasions and lacerations about their head and face.  One of the suspects also had brass knuckles on his hand as he was assaulting the victims. 

The suspects stole a semi-automatic pistol, ammo and a cellular phone during the robbery. 

The suspects are believed to have fled the scene in a green Honda Civic and a larger tan vehicle with Maryland registration unknown. 

Anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to call 302-856-5850 ext. 0.  Tips may also be provided via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.