A Newark man has pled guilty to charges related to the December 10, 2020 murder of Michael Reams in Wilmington.
At approximately 1:20 n that Thursday afternoon in 2020, a police officer on proactive patrol heard gunshots in the 300 block of East 23rd Street. As the officer approached the area, he observed Dashan Perrigan, then 29, of Newark fleeing from the scene with a firearm in his hand officials said at the time. Perrigan attempted to discard the firearm, but the officer was able to take him into custody and recover the handgun. Witnesses also identified Perrigan as the shooter according to prosecutors.
When additional officers arrived at the scene on that December day they located a 28-year-old Michael Reams wounded by gunfire. Reams was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Perrigan, now 32, pleaded guilty on April 27, 2022, to Murder 2nd Degree and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. Perrigan, who faces a prison sentence of 18 years to life, will be sentenced following a pre-sentencing investigation.
Perrigan was originally charged with:
Murder (First Degree)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
Receiving a Stolen Firearm
Resisting Arrest
Shortly after Perrigan’s arrest, Wilmington Police Chief Robert Tracy applauded the efforts that led to the arrest of Perrigan.
“This is a prime example of our officers conducting proactive patrols in their assigned areas, and remaining vigilant,” said Chief Tracy. “Thanks to the diligence of this officer, and his quick reaction to an incredibly dangerous and volatile situation, we were able to arrest and charge a man in connection with a murder, and recover the stolen firearm that was used.”