At approximately 4:00 p.m., on Friday patrol officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the 300 block of Camerton Lane, in the community of Camerton Townhouses, Townsend reference the report of an injured subject yelling for help.
As the officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a 68-year-old male on the front steps who had sustained multiple stab wounds to his upper body. The officers rendered First Aid while additional officers entered the residence to check on the occupants. Those officers located a second victim, a 61-year-old-female, inside of the residence, also suffering from multiple stab wounds. Two additional victims, a 53-year-old female, and a 19-year-old male were also located inside of the residence. These victims had also sustained severe injuries to their upper bodies and were found to be deceased, according to police.
The 68-year-old victim and the 61-year-old victim were flown by helicopters to Christiana Hospitals. The 61-year-old victim later succumbed to her injuries.
While officers were securing the crime scene, information was obtained that the suspect had fled in the victim’s red pick-up truck and this information was broadcasted.
Assisting officers located the vehicle and suspect on Summit Bridge Road in the area of Bethel Church Road, at which time the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspect failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, the suspect identified as 40-year-old Donald Grier struck other vehicles including a police vehicle prior to the pursuit ending and him being taken into custody, according to police.
[media-credit name=”Donald Grier” align=”aligncenter” width=”356″]
[/media-credit]
Grier was also taken to a local area hospital for minor injuries. No other people were injured from the crash.
Grier was released from the hospital and transported to police headquarters where he was charged with three counts of felony Murder 1st degree, one count of Felony Attempted Murder 1st, 2 counts of felony Reckless Endangering 1st degree, 1 count of felony Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, and one count of misdemeanor Criminal Mischief.
“My heart goes out to the family and friends of the victims involved in yesterday’s tragedy on Camerton Lane.” stated Colonel Joseph Bloch, “I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the efforts our officers, paramedics, and other First Responders in aiding the victims and apprehending the offender so quickly. Their ability to remain focused on the task at hand , after witnessing such a horrific event does not go unnoticed by me or the public. My thanks go out to all our public safety partners in law enforcement, EMS, and the fire service who assisted us with this incident.”
FSU has learned Grier has a criminal record in Delaware and was on probation at the time of yesterday’s incident. He also had outstanding warrants at the time of yesterday’s incident. Grier and his father, who goes by the same name, were charged with multiple burglaries earlier this year.
