New Castle, Delaware – On the evening of August 5, 1983, a group of juveniles playing behind the Ivy Ridge development made a chilling discovery. Just after 8:00 PM, the body of 12-year-old Walter Hubbard was found floating in the Christina River near a dock located in a wooded area of parkland.
Walter had last been seen by his family around 10:00 PM the previous night, August 4, 1983. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and the hours leading up to the discovery of his body continue to raise questions more than four decades later.
The location where Walter was found lies within a remote stretch of riverbank near the community of Ivy Ridge. Investigators arrived on scene following the report and began an inquiry into the events leading up to his death. At the time, law enforcement worked to identify potential witnesses, gather evidence, and reconstruct a timeline. However, no arrest has been made in connection with the case.
The New Castle County Division of Police continues to seek information that may help bring clarity to the case. Detectives assigned to the Cold Case Unit are urging anyone who may have knowledge about the events of August 4 or 5, 1983, or who may have seen or spoken to Walter during that time, to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit at (302) 395-8110 or email [email protected].
The investigation into the death of Walter Hubbard remains open.
