Seaford– The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit has arrested 19-year-old Unique Smith of Seaford, DE, in connection with a homicide that occurred on August 8, 2020, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper.
Pepper said the investigation began on August 8, 2020, at approximately 1:07 a.m., when the troopers were dispatched to The Woodshed Bar and Package store located at 22588 Bridgeville Highway, for a report of a fight in progress. Upon their arrival, troopers discovered 28-year-old Jeffrey L. Akins Jr. sustained one gunshot wound to his back, he was transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The victim was turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science where an autopsy was performed and the cause and manner of death was determined to be a homicide sustained from a single gunshot wound to the back.
Through investigative measures, detectives were able to identify Smith as a suspect and obtain a warrant for his arrest. On September 21, 2020, Smith was located and arrested at an apartment complex in Salisbury, MD by the United States Marshals Task Force. He is currently in custody in Maryland and awaiting extradition to Delaware. Smith is being charged with the following crimes:
Murder 1st Degree (felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (felony)
Assault 3rd Degree
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective J. King of the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit at (302)741-2821
Original Report
Seaford – The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is currently conducting a death investigation following a shooting incident that occurred earlier this morning, according to Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said the incident occurred on August 8, 2020, at approximately 1:07 a.m., when Troopers responded to The Woodshed Bar and Package Store at 22588 Bridgeville Highway in Seaford for a fight in progress in the parking lot with shots fired. Upon Trooper’s arrival they observed a 28-year-old Seaford man in the parking lot that had sustained an apparent gunshot wound. He would later be pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Police said further details will be released as they become available.