New York Man Gets 23 Years In Prison For Wilmington Murder

A Queens, NY man was sentenced by a Superior Court judge for a Wilmington murder.

In September 2017, Sandy Lashley, 31, shot and killed Allen Melton of Wilmington after Melton attempted to intervene in an altercation on Cedar Street between his girlfriend and Lashley’s female friend.

Lashley pleaded guilty in May to Murder Second Degree and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and was sentenced to 23 years in prison followed by 2 years of probation.

Update

A Queens, NY man has pleaded guilty to a Wilmington homicide. In September 2017, Wilmington Police responded to a shooting and found Allen Melton of Wilmington suffering from gunshots to his torso and legs.

Multiple witnesses reported that Sandy Lashley, 31, and a female accomplice, Latesha Favors of Wilmington, started an altercation with Melton’s girlfriend on Cedar Street and that when Melton attempted to break up the altercation, Lashley shot him multiple times and fled with Favors. Melton was later pronounced dead at Christiana Hospital.

Lashley pleaded guilty to Murder Second Degree and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and faces sentencing by a Superior Court judge in July.

Favors is still wanted by police for her role in the initial physical altercation with Melton’s girlfriend.

Update

Officer Injured By Pit Bull – Face Blurred To Protect His Identity

The victim of the September 07, 2017 homicide, which occurred at Cedar and Anchorage Streets has been identified as Allen Melton,28, of Wilmington, according to police. The investigation remains active and ongoing and updates will be provided as available.

Update – 1

Wilmington – The victim of tonight’s shooting investigation at Cedar and Anchorage Streets has succumbed to his injuries at the Christiana Hospital. The victim has been identified as a 28-year-old man from Wilmington. The victim’s name is being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a possible suspect in this incident had fled into a residence located in the 100 block of Cedar Street. The residence was secured as The Crisis Management Tactical Team Team along with Hostage Negotiation Team members attempted to make contact with any occupants in the residence. After negotiations were unsuccessful, the Crisis Management Tactical Team made entry into the residence.

One Crisis Management Tactical Team member sustained injuries to both his hands after coming into contact with an aggressive K-9 inside the residence. The officer was transported to the Christiana Hospital in stable condition. No suspects were located.

Original Release

On September 07, 2017 at approximately 4:29 pm, Uniform Services Division officers responded to Cedar and Anchorage Streets in reference to a Shot Spotter Notification of gunfire. Arriving police officer’s located an adult male down on the corner of Cedar and Anchorage suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to his upper torso. The victim was treated on scene by New Castle County Paramedics and transported to the Christiana Hospital Emergency Room in critical condition. At the time of this release, this is an active crime scene. Several surrounding blocks of the shooting scene are closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Updates will be provided as available.

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First State Update's Delaware editorial team covers New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County breaking news, political news, and general news stories. We bring the reader the latest news from the Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and all point in between. If you have news to share, email us at [email protected].

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