Delaware State Police are conducting a homicide investigation that occurred Sunday morning in Seaford, according to Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell.
Just after 1:45, Sunday morning, firefighters from several Sussex County fire companies responded to a home in the 11000 block of Hastings Farm Road in Seaford for reports of a house fire.
Upon arrival, crews reported smoke showing from the home. Seeing a vehicle in the driveway, firefighters entered the home to look for occupants. Upon entry into the residence, firefighters extinguished the fire and located a victim deceased from an apparent gunshot wound said Hatchell.
Firefighters requested assistance from the Delaware State Police (DSP) along with investigators from the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office. Hatchell later said that the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation.
Initial investigation revealed that the 39-year-old victim was inside of the residence when unknown suspects forced entry through a side door and fired multiple rounds. The victim was shot once and fell to the living room floor. The suspects then set a fire in the living room before fleeing the residence on foot according to Hatchell.
The body was turned over to the Division of Forensic Science for an autopsy. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.
