Magnolia man charged with manslaughter after woman fatally shot inside home
MAGNOLIA, DE — A 23-year-old man is behind bars on felony charges after police say he recklessly discharged a loaded handgun inside a Magnolia residence, killing a 20-year-old woman Tuesday night.
Delaware State Police were called to a home in the 800 block of Millchop Lane around 7:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. Troopers arrived to find the woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her name has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
According to investigators, Chase Washington, of Magnolia, was inside the home with the victim — an acquaintance — and was handling a loaded handgun when it discharged, striking the woman. Police described Washington’s actions as reckless and confirmed the incident was not considered an intentional act.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit took over the investigation. Washington was taken into custody at the scene and later transported to Troop 3 for processing. He has been charged with felony manslaughter and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Washington was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $100,000 cash bond.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed whether any additional charges may be filed.
