Troopers Identify Bridgeville “Murder Suicide” Victim And Suspect

Delaware State Police are investigating a homicide-suicide in the Bridgeville area that occurred Thursday night, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper.

Pepper said at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2021, troopers were dispatched to the 100 block of Emily’s Pintail Drive for a report of a shooting.

Prior to their arrival, it was determined the homeowners, a 71-year-old Peter Colletti and his wife had returned to their residence at approximately 9:30 p.m. Colletti’s wife was in the first floor bathroom when she heard footsteps on the second floor, where her 58-year-old brother, later identified as Joseph Caldarera, resides. Immediately after hearing the footsteps, she heard a loud bang. When she exited the bathroom, she discovered her husband in the family room with an apparent gunshot wound. The wife ran to a neighbor’s house where police were called.

Responding officers located Colletti deceased in the family room with an apparent gunshot wound. They then searched the residence and located the suspect deceased upstairs in his bedroom with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Both men were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The bodies have been turned over to the Division of Forensic Science where an autopsy will be performed to determine the manner and cause of death.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is continuing their investigation into this suspected murder/suicide incident and there is no concerns for public safety said Pepper. No motive has been established for this incident.

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