The Newark Halloween shooting left six people hurt on Main Street, and a separate shooting in Ellendale killed a 17-year-old Seaford girl the same night. Matt Ford has this Delaware news update from Good Morning Delaware, plus church and school fire updates and your Election Day guide.
This report reflects information available for the November 2 broadcast. Investigations and other developments may change.
Today’s Delaware News Headlines
- Six shot on East Main Street in Newark
- Seaford teen killed, eight others shot in Ellendale
- Mother African Union Church fire cause undetermined
- Lulu M. Ross students back in class in a new building
- Delaware Election Day guide and races to watch
Newark Halloween Shooting: Six Hurt on Main Street
Gunfire broke out around 11:15 p.m. Saturday on East Main Street, across from Choate Street, as Halloween crowds filled downtown. Six people ages 15 to 21 were hurt, including a 15-year-old in critical condition and a University of Delaware student, the Newark Post reported.
What Police Say About the Newark Halloween Shooting
- A 16-year-old who was shot was also found with a loaded gun. He faces weapons-related charges and is hospitalized in police custody.
- Police say he and the other five victims were shot by someone else. The shooter remains at large.
- Police say there does not appear to be an ongoing threat to public safety.
UD canceled Monday classes so students and staff could rest and seek support. The university said the decision was not tied to a safety concern.
Ellendale Shooting: Seaford Teen Killed at Outdoor Party
About an hour before the Newark shooting, someone fired from a neighboring property into a crowd at an outdoor party in the 18000 block of Beach Highway, Delaware State Police said. Nine people were shot.
- A 17-year-old girl from Seaford died at a hospital. Police have not released her name.
- A 20-year-old Seaford man had life-threatening injuries and is stable.
- Seven others, ages 17 to 22, have non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect has not been identified. Gov. Matt Meyer responded to the violence by saying, “This is not normal,” and Attorney General Kathy Jennings assigned prosecutors to both investigations.
Have Information on the Shootings?
| Who | Contact |
|---|---|
| Newark shooting | Det. Paige Klein, 302-366-7100, ext. 3480 |
| Ellendale shooting | Det. B. McDerby, 302-741-2821 |
| Delaware Crime Stoppers | 1-800-847-3333 |
| Victim services (24/7) | 1-800-842-8461 |
Mother African Union Church Fire: Cause Undetermined
The cause of the May 17 fire that destroyed Wilmington’s historic Mother African Union Church is undetermined, the Wilmington Fire Department announced. The case remains open. The building was too unstable for investigators to enter, and it was later demolished.
Rev. Ronald Whitaker says the church plans to rebuild on the same site at 812 N. Franklin St. It is one of the oldest Black-founded congregations in the country.
Milford School Fire: Lulu M. Ross Students Back in Class
Lulu M. Ross Elementary students returned to class Monday in a different building after the Oct. 25 fire left their school unusable. Second, third and fourth graders are now at Milford Middle School, and Milford Middle sixth graders moved to Milford Central Academy to make room.
The State Fire Marshal is investigating. Officials reported no injuries and no evidence of criminal activity. Catch up with our earlier Milford school fire coverage.
Delaware Election Day: What to Know Before You Vote
Delaware Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting has ended, so plan to vote at your assigned polling place.
- Find your polling place: Use the state Voter Portal.
- Bring ID: A Delaware license or state ID, polling place card, voter mailer, or a current document with your name and address, such as a utility bill.
- No ID? You can sign an affidavit and vote if election officers confirm your registration.
- Voting in Milford? The Lulu Ross polling site moved to Mispillion Elementary, on the same campus.
- Any party: Registered voters can vote in the general election regardless of party.
Legislative Races to Watch
Democrats hold a 15-6 majority in the state Senate and a 27-14 majority in the state House. WHYY’s voter guide highlights these races:
- Senate District 5: Shay Frisby (D), Carolyn Frank (I), Brent Burdge (R)
- Senate District 20: Gerald Hocker (R, incumbent), Harry S. Gold (D)
- House District 3: Branden Fletcher-Dominguez (D), Dexter Bland (I), Shawn Dottery (R)
- House District 22: Mike Smith (R, incumbent), Alex Green (D)
- House District 41: Ryan Stuckey (D), John Atkins (R)
Check your full ballot with the Delaware Department of Elections, and watch our Good Morning Delaware Election Day conversation.
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