The Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to locate 46-year-old James Palmer from Dover, who is wanted for murder and related charges, according to Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said the incident occurred on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at approximately 03:25 a.m., when troopers responded to Millchop Lane in Magnolia, for a report of a stabbing. Investigation revealed a verbal altercation occurred between several people who were at a party at a trailer located behind the residence. Individuals left the party and went to the residence to remove themselves from the situation. The conflict reignited when the participants engaged again at the residence, said Hatchell. The argument escalated and the 37-year-old male from Smyrna and 34-year-old female from Dover, were both stabbed with a large knife by the suspect. The victims were transported to an area hospital by an acquaintance. The 37-year-old male victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The 34-year-old female victim was treated at an area hospital with stab wounds to the abdomen.
Through investigative means, James Palmer was identified as the suspect, according to Hatchell.
At around 7:00 on Saturday First State Update broke this story on our Facebook page. Shortly after that, at around 7:30, the Delaware State Police confirmed that the incident was a homicide investigation. At that time they announced that they were unable to locate Palmer and were seeking his whereabouts.
Last evening, sometime after we updated the story, Palmer turned himself in at Delaware State Police Troop 1, according to Hatchell. Palmer was taken into custody without incident and was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2 where he was processed and arraigned on the following charges:
Murder 1st Degree (Felony)
Attempted to Commit Murder 1st Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)- 2 counts
Palmer was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $1,120,000 cash bond.
