Tragedy Strikes Delaware State University: Non-Student Suspects Arrested in Fatal Campus Shooting
In a shocking incident that has shattered the tranquility of Delaware State University, two non-student suspects have been apprehended in connection with a deadly campus shooting that claimed the life of 18-year-old Camay Mitchell De Silva of Wilmington.
The Apprehension of the Suspects
On Thursday, the Dover Police Department announced the arrests of Destry Jones, 20, and Damien Hinson, 18, both of Dover. The arrests followed a thorough investigation into the shooting that occurred on April 21 outside a residence hall at the university.
Jones was taken into custody at an apartment in Brooklyn, New York, while Hinson was apprehended later the same day in the parking lot of a Dover shopping center. Both suspects are currently facing multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and illegal possession of firearms.
The Unintended Victim
Investigators have revealed that De Silva was not the intended target of the gunfire. The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a fight that broke out earlier that night. De Silva, who was an innocent bystander, tragically became entangled in the crossfire.
According to authorities, officers from the Dover Police Department, who have been providing assistance to campus police with night and weekend safety patrols, responded to the scene after hearing gunshots around 1:40 a.m. Officers arrived to find De Silva lying mortally wounded outside a different dormitory.
The Motives and Connections
Investigators believe that Jones and Hinson were part of a group that engaged in a physical altercation with two other males prior to the shooting. The attempted murder charges against the suspects stem from their alleged actions during that fight.
The exact nature of the dispute and the motives behind the shooting remain under investigation. However, authorities have confirmed that the suspects had no affiliation with Delaware State University.
Striving for Closure and Healing
The university community and the families of those involved are reeling from the senseless loss of life. In the wake of this tragedy, Delaware State University has been offering counseling services, grief support groups, and other resources to its students and staff.
As the investigation continues, the university and local authorities are determined to bring justice to De Silva’s family and ensure the safety of the campus going forward.
