State Police Arrest Driver for Vehicular Homicide Following Two-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Wilmington

Date Posted: Sunday, April 19th, 2026

Google maps screenshot of Rocky Run Pkwy at Concord Pike

Delaware State Police have arrested 35-year-old Michelle Palazzolo of Wilmington, Delaware, for vehicular homicide and traffic-related charges following a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Saturday afternoon in Wilmington.

On April 18, 2026, at approximately 2:20 p.m., a gray Toyota Prius was traveling eastbound in the right left-turn lane of Rocky Run Parkway at Concord Pike. The Toyota had a green arrow traffic signal to turn left onto Concord Pike northbound. At the same time, a white Ford Taurus was traveling in the center lane of Concord Pike southbound, approaching Rocky Run Parkway. The Ford had a red traffic signal. As the Toyota entered the intersection, the Ford failed to stop at the red light. The front of the Ford collided with the left side of the Toyota.

The driver of the Toyota, a 72-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital, where he died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Ford, identified as Michelle Palazzolo, was taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Palazzolo showed signs of impairment at the time of the crash.

Concord Pike was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

Palazzolo was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $10,250 secured bond.

Michelle Palazzolo DMV photo — DMV photo

Vehicular Homicide 2^nd Degree Driving Under the Influence (Felony)
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Failure to Have Required Insurance
Failure to Stop at a Red Light

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki at (302) 365-8417. 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.

Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.