Troopers: Investigation Leads To Arrest In 2019 Fatal Home Invasion

After a year-long homicide investigation, conducted by the Delaware State Police, into the shooting death of Jesse Stanford, 30 of Cambridge, Maryland, detectives have made an arrest, according to Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz.

Bratz said troopers were able to identify and issue warrants for the suspect, Cahlil N. Simmons, 25 of Felton, Delaware. On February 14, 2020, Simmons was located and taken into custody without incident in the unit block of Farmhouse Trail, Felton, by the US Marshals First State Taskforce.

Simmons was transported to Troop 3, Camden where he was arrested and charged with Murder First Degree, Attempted Robbery First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Conspiracy First Degree. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in default of a $550,000 cash bond.

The investigation began on January 5, 2019, at approximately 5:57 p.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the 200 block of Kentwood Drive, Kentwood Mobile Home Park for a report of a home invasion and shooting.

When Troopers arrived they discovered Stanford suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper torso. At the time, officials said their investigation revealed that two unknown suspects had entered the residence. Upon the victim being shot, both suspects then fled the scene. There were two other adult individuals in the residence during this incident. Both individuals were not injured.

Stanford was transported to a local area hospital in serious condition where he later succumbed to his injuries.

After Simmons’ arrest Friday he was transported to Troop 3, Camden where he was arrested and charged with Murder First Degree, Attempted Robbery First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Conspiracy First Degree. He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in default of a $550,000 cash bond.

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