Smyrna- Delaware State Police are conducting a double homicide investigation that occurred Tuesday morning at two separate locations in Smyrna.

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at approximately 10:26 a.m., troopers responded to assist Smyrna Police Department with a subject shot in the parking lot at Smyrna Middle School located at 700 Duck Creek Parkway, Smyrna, DE 19977. Upon arrival it was determined that a 38-year-old female victim and a 47-year-old male suspect arrived at the school together in the wife’s vehicle to pick up their daughter for a medical appointment. The couple had a verbal exchange outside of the car which led to the male suspect pulling the victim back into the vehicle where he produced a weapon and shot the victim. The 38-year-old female victim was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

The school was placed on lockdown and a search for the suspect commenced.

The suspect fled the scene alone in the vehicle the couple arrived in, and then switched into another vehicle that was registered to him parked nearby. Troopers located the suspect’s vehicle at approximately 11:02 a.m. in the area of Route 13 and Route 42 and a pursuit ensued. The suspect fled into Maryland and ultimately shot himself and crashed near Galena, MD. The suspect was transported to a Maryland area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

During the course of the investigation, troopers obtained information there could be a second victim who was an acquaintance of the 38-year-old female victim. With the assistance of Smyrna PD, officers responded to the 800 block of McLane Gardens, Smyrna to check on the welfare of a 21-year-old female. Officers located the second female victim inside of her residence with apparent gunshot wounds. The 21-year-old victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The bodies have been turned over to the Division of Forensic Science where an autopsy will be performed to determine the manner and cause of death.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit and Smyrna Police Department is continuing their investigation into this suspected murder/suicide incident and there is no concern for public safety. No motive has been established for this incident.

The names of the victims and suspect are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sergeant Yeich with the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit by calling 302-741-2703 or information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com .

Notice of Increased Police Activity- Smyrna

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell

Released: 042821 1017

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