Two dead in officer-involved shooting at delaware senior living center

DOVER, DE — Delaware State Police are currently investigating a homicide and officer-involved shooting that resulted in two fatalities at the Harmony at Kent Senior Living Center. The incident occurred on the afternoon of Monday, June 4, 2024, around 5:25 p.m. at 1435 East Lebanon Road, Dover.

The confrontation began when a 51-year-old man from Camden, Delaware, previously banned for aggressive behavior, visited a female relative at the facility. A 59-year-old staff member escorted him out after a dispute, during which the suspect assaulted the staff member. The suspect then retrieved a handgun from his vehicle, fired at a male relative’s vehicle, and fatally shot the staff member.

When law enforcement, including troopers and officers from multiple departments, arrived, they attempted negotiation. The situation escalated when the suspect brandished his weapon, leading to two troopers discharging their firearms at him. Both the suspect and the staff member were transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

The names of the deceased are withheld pending family notification. No other injuries were reported. The involved troopers are on administrative leave as standard procedure, awaiting a use of force investigation by the Delaware Department of Justice.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate the case. They urge anyone with information to contact Detective D. Grassi at 302-365-8441 or via email at daniel.grassi@delaware.gov. Information can also be provided anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

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