MILLSBORO, Del. — The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit has arrested 46-year-old Daniel Steele in connection with the death of his 75-year-old mother following a welfare check at a Millsboro residence on Sunday evening.
At approximately 6:00 p.m. on June 15, 2025, troopers were dispatched to the 22000 block of Phillips Hill Road after a concerned family member reported being unable to reach the elderly woman for several days. Upon arrival, troopers located the victim unresponsive on the couch. Emergency Medical Services responded to the residence and confirmed the woman was deceased.
Daniel Steele, who was present inside the home at the time, was taken into custody without incident.
According to a preliminary investigation by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit, Steele had been involved in a physical altercation with his mother, Deborah Steele, inside the residence. During the confrontation, Steele allegedly assaulted the woman until she lost consciousness. Authorities say no effort was made to obtain medical assistance following the incident.
Steele was transported to Troop 4, where he was formally charged with Murder First Degree. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,000,000 cash bond.
