Police: 17-Year-Old Charged In Murder Of Wilmington Woman

Wilmington Police have charged a 17-year-old in connection with a homicide that took place in October.

On October 25, 2018, at approximately 4:49 a.m., police responded to the 900 block of North Spruce Street in reference to shots fired. Officers located a gunshot victim who was identified as 47-year-old Shirley Coleman. Police and medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but Coleman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The case was assigned to Detective Devon Jones of the Criminal Investigations Division, and over the course of his investigation, he developed a 17-year-old male as a suspect in the case, police said.

On April 15, the investigation was presented to a New Castle County Grand Jury, which returned an indictment for the following charges:

Murder (First Degree)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Three Counts)
Criminal Contempt

Update

Detective Jones processed the suspect on the above charges on April 16 at the New Castle County Detention Center, where he was being held on other charges. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 20 and held on $591,000 cash-only bail.

“The six-month investigation that led to this indictment is reflective of the dedication of our detectives, who tirelessly pursue leads and follow evidence in each of their cases,” said Det. Sgt. Thomas Curley of the Criminal Investigations Division. “I applaud the efforts of Detective Jones and the CID Homicide Unit, working in conjunction with other partners in law enforcement, to develop a suspect and make an arrest in this murder.”

Wilmington Police have identified this morning’s homicide victim as SHIRLEY COLEMAN, 47-years old, of Wilmington.

At approximately 4:49 am, Wilmington Police responded to the 900 block of N. Spruce Street for a ‘shots fired’ complaint.

Upon the officer’s arrival, they located COLEMAN, who was suffering from a gunshot wound, according to police.

Officers and medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, however, COLEMAN succumbed to her injuries.

Breaking Report

Anyone with information regarding this incident please contact Detective Devon Jones at 302-576-3631 or contact DELAWARE CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via their website: delawarecrimestoppers.org

Wilmington Police are currently investigating a shooting, which occurred at approximately 4:50 am, in the 900 block of Spruce Street.

This is an on-going investigation and further updates will be provided as they become available.

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First State Update's Delaware editorial team covers New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County breaking news, political news, and general news stories. We bring the reader the latest news from the Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and all point in between. If you have news to share, email us at [email protected].

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