UPDATE: Domestic Assault Suspect Commits Suicide at Camden Barracks
UPDATE: The Delaware State Police (DSP) have released new details about an in-custody suicide that occurred on Thursday.
Police have identified 49-year-old Shane Mullen of Hartly as the man who killed himself at DSP Troop 3 in Camden. Authorities say video surveillance confirmed that while detained alone in a temporary holding cell, Mullen used a shoelace to hang himself. When troopers found Mullen, they attempted lifesaving efforts, but he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Prior to Mullen’s suicide, troopers had been alerted to a reported domestic assault at a Hartly residence located on Misty Way. Before they arrived, troopers were notified that Mullen had left the residence in his girlfriend’s vehicle after assaulting her, and that he had an active felony domestic warrant stemming from an incident on May 22 at the same location.
The Delaware State Police Aviation Unit responded to assist with the search for Mullen and located the vehicle. A pursuit subsequently ensued, crossing into Maryland and returned to Delaware before ending at the residence on Misty Way. Mullen initially refused orders to exit the vehicle. Upon exiting, troopers say he resisted further orders.
A DSP canine was deployed, and police say Mullen assaulted the canine but was ultimately taken into custody after sustaining injuries himself. He was transported to an area hospital for evaluation of injuries sustained from the canine apprehension, and he was released to Troop 3 the following morning.
On May 28, Mullen was charged with resisting arrest with force, fifth offense DUI, second degree assault of a law enforcement animal, offensive touching, and related traffic charges. He was also charged with felony strangulation, third degree assault, and breach of release in connection with the May 22 incident.
Due to the nature of Mullen’s death, the DSP Homicide Unit, in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust, assumed the investigation. Upon the conclusion of their investigation, the DSP’s Office of Professional Responsibility will also review the incident.
CAMDEN, Del. – The Delaware State Police (DSP) say they are actively investigating an in-custody suicide at DSP Troop 3 in Camden.
Police say the Delaware Department of Justice is also on scene for the investigation. Details are limited at this time, but expected to be made available in a release soon.
This article was originally published on May 28 at 12:11 p.m.
