On August 31st at approximately 10:30 p.m. patrol officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Freedom Trail in the community of Saddlebrook Townhouses for the report of gunshots in the area.
Officials said when the units arrived at the scene, they located a male victim lying in the roadway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. The officers administered first-aid, however, their efforts were unsuccessful. 38-year-old Ernest Staples was subsequently pronounced deceased.
“I can assure Mr. Staples’ family that the New Castle County Division of Police is making every effort to find the person(s) responsible for taking his life.”, stated Colonel Vaughn M. Bond, Jr. “We can’t do this alone therefore we are asking our community partners to come forward with any information you may have. We understand the reluctance to get involved; however, keep in mind you can provide information anonymously.”