The Dover Police Department, in a press conference on December 27th, 2023, announced the arrest of 20-year-old Jaquan Fletcher for the murder of Frederick Tolson, a 42-year-old barber, and for the attempted murder of three other individuals in separate incidents.
The investigation began with a shooting on December 2nd at a Wawa store on Forrest Avenue, where a 45-year-old male was injured. The second incident occurred on December 8th on Village Drive, injuring a 35-year-old male. The third and fatal shooting took place on December 14th on Ann Avenue, resulting in Tolson’s death and the injury of a 59-year-old family member.
Chief Johnson highlighted the extensive investigation led by Dover Detectives, which involved video surveillance, vehicle identification technology, witness interviews, and crime scene examinations. Fletcher, who was already wanted on unrelated charges by the Delaware State Police, was apprehended on December 15th.
Police said none of the victims appeared to have had any previous relationship with their assailant. The also said the victims were shot from a concealed position and a significant distance.
Charges against Fletcher include one count of First-Degree Murder, three counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, and multiple firearm-related offenses. He is currently held on $1.225 million cash bail.
The arrest, according to Chief Johnson, is attributed to diligent detective work, effective collaboration, and advanced technology investments by Dover officials, which significantly contributed to solving the case. Johnson commended the Criminal Investigative Unit and their partners for their unwavering commitment to public safety and for bringing justice in this case.