Childhood friend of teen killed in shooting reflects loss

Seaford, Del. – At around 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, Delaware State Police responded to German Road for a crash. First responders took the driver to a hospital for apparent gun-shot wounds, where he would pass away from his injuries. Troopers have identified the teenage victim as Jacob Rinier Jr. of Laurel as the victim in the shooting.

Ziyaire Ayres, a Seaford High School junior, lives nearby and said he grew up with Rinier. He said he wasn’t home at the time, but was “shocked” when he received a call about the shooting.

“Things barely be going on around here, it’s like, really a quiet neighborhood. So when that happened I was just really shocked,” he said.

Ayres said although they weren’t especially close, him and Rinier were still friends. He said he was speaking to him just a couple days before he passed, asking him if he was going to a party. He said Rinier couldn’t “because he had to go to work.” According to Rinier’s obituary, he was a hard worker at a local McDonald’s and a straight-A student his junior year in the HVAC program at Sussex Tech High School.

His high school reacted to his passing, saying in part, “Our hearts are with the student’s family, loved ones, and classmates during this incredibly difficult time. We recognize the impact this has on our entire school community and remain committed to providing support and care for our students and staff in the days ahead.”

“He was a calm kid, I’ll say like energetic, positive. He would do anything for anybody,” Ayres continued. “It hurt everybody … like it’s just painful to see.”

Ayres says he has suffered loss in his own life and his message to Reiner’s family is:

“Long live Jacob, forever in our hearts. And I’m sorry for your loss. And I hope things get better in your life. Everything ain’t supposed to be easy. We all lose somebody and this is critical. So I know how y’all feel.”

WMDT has reached out to a family member of Jacob for comment.

Troopers say they have arrested 19-year-old Omar Vidro-Pacheco in connection with the shooting and charged with first-degree murder. Troopers also have an arrest warrant for 19-year-old Darrin West who is still at large. Both are Seaford residents.

DSP encourages anyone with any information to call  Detective B. McDerby at (302) 741-2821 about the case or call Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333. Anyone with knowledge of West’s whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1 or contact McDerby or DSP.

If you would like to support the Rinier family, you can find their GoFundMe here.