The Newark Police Department has arrested a 22-year-old New Castle man in connection with a fatal crash that killed a University of Delaware student and critically injured another in Newark on Tuesday.
At approximately 3:49 p.m., Newark Police officers were alerted regarding a stolen U-Haul van in the vicinity of South Main Street. Officers began to check the area of the vehicle, and subsequently located the unoccupied U-Haul van. The afformentioned van had been reported to police as an unauthorized use vehicle that had been due to be returned on March 18, 2025. The van was parked in a shopping center on the 200 block of East Main Street.
At 4:34 p.m., Turner and a passenger returned to the vehicle. As officers moved in to arrest the suspects, Turner, who had entered the driver’s seat, evaded capture by driving over a curb, striking a police vehicle, and fleeing onto East Main Street at a high rate of speed.
Shortly thereafter, just west of Haines Street, Turner lost control of the vehicle. The U-Haul struck two pedestrians on the north side of East Main Street before crashing into several parked vehicles. One of the struck vehicles was occupied by five individuals. A third pedestrian was also injured after being hit by a parked car pushed during the collision according to Newark Police. The U-Haul came to rest at the intersection of East Main Street and Center Street in front of the Newark Post Office.
Numerous 911 calls reporting the crash were received by the Newark Police Communications Center, and officers quickly responded to the scene. University of Delaware graduate student, Marina Vasconcelos, 24, of Northeast, Maryland was pronounced deceased at the scene. A second 24-year-old University of Delaware graduate student was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital, where she remains in stable condition.
Turner was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and later released into police custody. The passenger was detained but has not been charged at this time.
The Newark Police Traffic Unit, assisted by the University of Delaware Police, Fire Police, and DelDOT, conducted the investigation. East Main Street remained closed for approximately five hours.
Turner faces multiple felony charges, including Murder Second Degree – Death Caused During Commission of a Felony, Murder Second Degree – Reckless Conduct Showing Indifference to Human Life, one count of Assault First Degree, Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal, and Possession or Consumption of Marijuana in Excess of Personal Use Quantity. Investigators also discovered Turner is wanted in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
A search of the U-Haul van following its seizure and tow to Newark Police Headquarters resulted in the discovery of a handgun. Authorities say additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Turner was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court #11 and issued a $305,500 cash bond. He was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in default of bond.