Smyrna- The Delaware State Police have arrested 55-year-old John Cameron of Claymont for murder, according to Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said the incident occurred on Monday, May 10, 2021, at approximately 8:13 a.m., when troopers responded to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center located at 1181 Paddock Road, Smyrna, for a reported homicide. The investigation has determined Cameron attacked a 69-year-old inmate, later identified as Philip Langell of Newark with whom he shares a cell, according to Hatchell.
Langell sustained injuries to the head, face, and neck area consistent with multiple strikes from a closed fist. Langell also sustained an apparent stab wound from a distinctive edged instrument. Langell was pronounced deceased at the scene.
As a result of the autopsy, Langell’s cause of death was attributed to the injuries sustained to the head and neck from the attack, as well as asphyxiation. The stab wound was not a contributing factor, said Hatchell.
On Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit responded to James T. Vaughn Correction Center and executed an arrest warrant on Defendant-John Cameron for the murder of Philip Langell. Included in the warrant was a single count of Murder 1st Degree.
Cameron was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and remained in the custody of the Department of Correction on $1,000,000 cash bond.
Deputy Bureau Chief of Prisons, Paul G. Shavack advised John Cameron is currently serving a life sentence for Murder 1st Degree and the Victim, Phillip Langell was serving a 20-year sentence for Rape 1st Degree Victim Under 12 years of age.