Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday morning at Delaware State University (DSU) in Dover. The incident, which took place around 1:40 a.m. near the Warren Franklin Residential Hall’s northend underpass, led to the death of a woman who, officials say, was not a student at the university.
DSU Police said they responded to initial reports of gunfire and upon arrival, discovered Camay Mitchell DeSilva, 18, of Wilmington, suffering from a gunshot wound to her upper body.
According to radio traffic, rescue crews were dispatched at 2:12 a.m., and arrived at the scene minutes later. The victim was subsequently transported to Bayhealth Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
DeSilva was reportedly visiting a student at the time of the incident, accompanied by another non-student officials said Sunday. Following the shooting, suspects were seen fleeing toward College Road, but no detailed descriptions have been provided.
The Dover Police Department is actively assisting DSU Police in the homicide investigation. On Sunday DSU increased police patrols and closed the campus for the day, canceling all scheduled events. Counseling services were offered to students and staff at the Tubman Laws Hall housing office.
On Monday classes for students were canceled. DSU is otherwise open for operations. and employees are expected to report for work today, accordng to a DSU spokesman.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 800-TIP-3333 or visiting delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.
The Dover Police Department’s Victim Services Unit was also made available to assist those affected according to a statement issued by the agency.