Selbyville man charged with murder after woman found dead behind home
Selbyville, DE – A quiet residential property became the center of a homicide investigation after a woman was found dead in a ditch behind a home, leading to the arrest of a family member following a traffic stop in the same community.
The case unfolded early Monday morning when emergency responders were called to a residence in the 37000 block of Pinto Drive after family members grew concerned during a phone conversation and could not locate a 71-year-old woman. While responders were en route, relatives discovered the woman’s body in a ditch behind the property, where she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later located 28-year-old Jesus Palacio-Hernandez in the Selbyville area and took him into custody without incident during a traffic stop. Authorities say the nature of the case prompted the Homicide Unit to take over the investigation.
According to preliminary findings, an altercation occurred inside the residence during the overnight hours. Investigators allege the victim was physically assaulted and later moved outside, where her body was placed in a ditch behind the home.
Palacio-Hernandez was taken to Troop 4 and charged with first-degree murder. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1 million cash bond.
Support services remain available for victims and families affected by violent crime through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and the Delaware Victim Center.
Key Points
- A 71-year-old woman was found deceased behind a Selbyville residence
- A family member was arrested and charged with first-degree murder
- The suspect is being held on a $1 million cash bond
