A Wilmington Police investigation has led to the arrest of a Newark man in connection with a January 31 homicide, police said Wednesday.
At approximately 8:57 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, a Wilmington Police (WPD) officer was on patrol in the area of Second Street and Van Buren Street when multiple gunshots were heard in the area.
Arriving units located a gunshot victim in the 1100 block of Pleasant Street near the intersection of Van Buren Street. The victim, who was identified as 59-year-old Wilmington resident Aracelio Cruz, was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Officials said in the course of his investigation, Detective Bill Ball of the WPD Criminal Investigations Division developed 24-year-old Newark resident Frederick Trice as a suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
He was located and taken into custody without incident by detectives and members of the United States Marshals Task Force on April 9.
Trice has been charged with the following offenses:
Murder (First Degree)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Facility on $580,000 secured bail.
Chief Robert J. Tracy applauded the diligent investigation that led to the above charges.
“Our investigators work tirelessly on every case as they work to bring justice to victims and their families, and this case is a prime example of their dedication,” said Chief Tracy. “I commend their efforts, and also appreciate the assistance of the public in working with us to close this case.”
Update
At approximately 8:57 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, a Wilmington Police officer was on patrol in the area of 2nd Street and Van Buren Street when multiple gunshots were heard in the area.
Arriving units located a victim in the 1100 block of Pleasant Street near the intersection of Van Buren Street. The victim was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The victim has been identified as 59-year-old Wilmington resident Aracelio Cruz.
This incident is under investigation, and no further updates are available at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Bill Ball at 302-576-3962, or 302-893-7565. You can also contact DELAWARE CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via their website: delawarecrimestoppers.org.
Original Report
Wilmington Police are currently investigating a homicide at the corner of Pleasant and North Van Buren Streets.
At around 9:00 Thursday night, January 31, 2019, police officers responded to the area and located an unidentified male who was shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
This is an on-going investigation, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact DELAWARE CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via their website: delawarecrimestoppers.org.