A report released by the Delaware Department of Justice examined a June 4, 2024 deadly force incident involving two Delaware Troopers, concluding their use of force against Arnold Azamar Jr. was legally justified.
Investigators determined that Arnold Azamar Jr., who had previously been banned from the Harmony at Kent senior living facility in Dover, arrived to visit his mother and became involved in a dispute with staff and an off-duty maintenance worker, William Whitehead. During the confrontation, Whitehead was accompanied by his 8-year-old son. After an argument, Azamar punched Whitehead, ran to his vehicle, retrieved a handgun, and began firing. Azamar also fired at a vehicle driven by his cousin, Stuart Outten, before striking Whitehead in the parking lot.
During the incident, the 8-year-old child took cover in Azamar’s white SUV as gunfire continued. Authorities were advised through multiple 911 calls that a child was in close proximity to the armed suspect, along with Azamar’s mother, who had wandered into the parking lot.
Responding officers from Delaware State Police and assisting agencies established positions and attempted to de-escalate the situation. Despite repeated commands from the Troopers, Azamar refused to drop his weapon. After Azamar’s mother moved out of the line of fire, the two troopers fired a total of three shots, striking him. Both Arnold Azamar Jr. and William Whitehead were transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus, where they were pronounced dead.
The investigation included a review of surveillance footage, body-worn camera audio, witness statements, and forensic evidence. Ballistics analysis confirmed that William Whitehead was struck by rounds fired from Azamar’s handgun.
Under Delaware law governing self-defense and the protection of others, the Department of Justice determined that the Troopers reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to protect themselves and others, including the nearby child and other civilians. The report concluded their actions were justified and did not constitute a criminal offense.
