Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

State Police Investigates Murder-Suicide in Magnolia

Date Posted: Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Monday evening, which resulted in the loss of three lives.

On April 29, 2024, at approximately 6:18 p.m., troopers were dispatched to the 100 block of Cilento Drive following reports of gunfire. When troopers arrived, they discovered a 38-year-old Magnolia woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the front yard. Troopers attempted lifesaving measures, but the woman succumbed to her injuries.

The Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team responded to the scene and entered the residence. Inside the residence, a 43-year-old Magnolia man was found, also fatally wounded by gunfire. The suspect, a 49-year-old man from Magnolia, was found deceased inside the home with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Three children were found in the residence, and they were physically unharmed. The identities of the victims are being withheld until their families are notified.

Preliminary findings suggest the suspect contacted a family member, confessed to shooting his wife and her new boyfriend, and expressed an intent to kill himself.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective M. Csapo by calling 302-741-2729. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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.