The Delaware State Police have arrested a Felton man for murder following a homicide investigation that began in March 2021 in the Harrington area.

On March 31, 2021, at approximately 3:13 p.m., troopers responded to Milford Harrington Highway west of Sandbox Road regarding a shooting. The ensuing investigation revealed that the victim, identified as 20-year-old Maricruz Sanchez of Milford, Delaware, had been driving westbound on Milford Harrington Highway in a 1998 Honda Accord when a dark-colored SUV pulled alongside her car. A suspect fired a handgun at Sanchez’s Accord, and she was shot multiple times. Sanchez was taken to an area hospital and was later pronounced deceased.

Detectives from the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation and developed 20-year-old Adryan Jean-Baptiste of Felton, Delaware as a suspect. On December 19, 2022, Jean-Baptiste was taken into custody without incident at Dover Probation & Parole when he reported to his probation officer. Jean-Baptiste was transported to Troop 3 and charged with Murder First Degree and Conspiracy First Degree. Jean-Baptiste was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $1,002,000 cash bond.

*Update #4- Victim Identified* Delaware State Police Investigating Shooting Incident and Requesting Public’s Assistance With Identifying Suspect- Harrington

*Update #3* Delaware State Police Investigating Shooting Incident- Harrington

*Update #2* Delaware State Police Investigating Shooting- Harrington

*Update #1* Traffic Advisory Road Closure- Harrington

*Traffic Advisory- Roadway Closure* Milford-Harrington Hwy- Harrington

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is still actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Grassi by calling 302-365-8441 or by sending an e-mail to daniel.grassi@delaware.gov. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto

Released: 122022  1031

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