Police shot and killed suspect who murdered woman, burned her house — Delaware State Police - File Photo.

Stanton, DE — Delaware State Police are currently investigating a homicide and an officer-involved shooting that occurred in New Castle County, which resulted in the deaths of a woman and a man on August 4, 2024.

The incident began around 9:41 a.m. when troopers were called to the Exxon at 414 Main Street in Stanton following reports of a male with a firearm. Subsequently, troopers along with Fire and EMS personnel responded to a separate call regarding a house fire on the 1700 block of Limestone Road.

At the residence, emergency responders found a 22-year-old woman from Wilmington with a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her identity has not been released pending notification of her family.

Further investigation indicated that a 57-year-old man from Milford, identified as the ex-spouse of the homeowner, forcibly entered the home and shot multiple rounds at two occupants, fatally injuring the 22-year-old woman. The second occupant, a 20-year-old Wilmington man, escaped unharmed and fled to the Exxon station.

The suspect then set the residence on fire before fleeing the scene.

The suspect was later located by the Delaware State Police Aviation Section near the C&D Canal. After several hours of negotiation, the suspect fired at the troopers, prompting three of them to return fire, resulting in his death.

He was administered first aid but was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is also withheld until family notification.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit and the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office have taken over the investigation. This complex case continues to unfold as investigations into both the homicide and the officer-involved shooting progress. Further details will be released as they become available.

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