The man released on unsecured bond following a fatal shooting that occurred on June 8, 2021, in Newark is now facing a murder charge, police said today.
Just before 1:00 on that Tuesday morning, Newark Police were dispatched to a residence in the unit block of Ethan Allen Court for a report of a disturbance. While officers were en route, a second call was received reporting a shooting at the same residence police said at the time.
When officers arrived they located James Harland, 35, in the residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A second man, Desmond Elliott, 26, was found to be suffering from a gunshot wound to the wrist. Officers rendered medical aid to Elliott before he was transported to the hospital in stable condition. Elliott was admitted to the hospital for his injuries.
Officials said during the course of their investigation, detectives determined that the shooting resulted from an altercation between roommates. On June 9, 2021, police said during the altercation, Elliott introduced a handgun and shot Harland multiple times.
Newark Police initially charged Elliott with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (2 counts) and Receiving a Stolen Firearm. He appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video from his hospital bed and was released on $43,000 unsecured bail.
On June 10, 2021, after the story was covered in the media, a motion to increase bail hearing was requested by the Delaware Attorney General’s Office and Elliott’s bail was increased to
$300,000 cash bail and he was rearrested.
Today, Monday, March 28, 2022, police announced that a New Castle County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Elliott charging him with the following offenses:
Murder First Degree
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (2 counts)
Receiving a Stolen Firearm
