Delaware State Police asking for tips in two Sussex Co. homicide investigations
State Police say they are continuing to investigate two separate homicide investigations, in Western Sussex County.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit says one case is from this year, while the second dates back to 2013. In the most recent incident, Troopers say they were called to Conrail Road around 12:40 AM, on Thursday, January 7, 2016, for reports of a home invasion with shots fired. Once on scene, Investigators say 35-year-old James Dickerson, who was a guest at the home, was located in the kitchen area suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was later pronounced dead.
After shooting Dickerson, Police say the suspects fled the area. A woman, and three other men who all live at the house, were all apparently uninjured in the incident. Dickerson’s death was ruled a homicide by gunshot wound to the head by the Delaware Division of Forensic Science.
State Police say no further suspect information has been developed at this time, and Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying any potential suspects. Later that same night, just before 10:00 PM, Law Enforcement responded to a 911 call from the same house, saying that someone shot at the house. The 53-year-old woman told Troopers that she and her 63-year-old boyfriend were in the back bedroom of the home, when they heard gunfire outside. The victim told Police that she got up, shut her bedroom door, and called 911. During the investigation into the incident, Troopers say they found a separate bedroom window located in the front of the house, had been shot out but no one was in the room at the time.
A 46-year-old male was also apparently in the house as the time, but was sleeping in a separate room. None of the residents were injured in the incident. Troopers say they had help from Bridgeville Police Department and Seaford Police Department, who searched the area for any potential suspects or vehicles in the area, but that none were located.
Troopers say the second incident that they’re hoping for input from the public in, is a January 5, 2013, homicide. According to the report, Troopers responded to Horsey & Everett Road in Laurel, around 9:30 PM, are multiple suspects wearing masks covering their faces to disguise their identities, and armed with types of firearms, entered a home. Once inside, Police say the suspects confronted a 21-year-old Kyle Newman, and shot him multiple times in the upper body. The suspects then apparently ran from the area. Police say they weren’t sure if money or property was taken during the incident. Newman was later pronounced dead at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.
Delaware State Police say the two incidents do not appear to be linked to one another, but they are still hoping to generate tips. They are asking anyone with information about either incident to contact Detective J. King at 302-698-8561 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Tips can also be sent by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”
