Arrest in Delaware State student’s murder

New Castle County Police credit tips from the public in response to the promise of reward money led to the arrest of a 46-year-old New Castle woman accused of killing a 19-year-old student at Delaware State University.

Cheryl Jennings was arrested Wednesday in connection with the shooting death of Malcolm Evans on July 9. Evans was shot around 4 a.m. near his home. Police say Evans was driving in his car near the entrance of the Rutledge community when he was shot one time. 

Evans’ mother, Terry Evans described the families relief over the news that an arrest in the case during a news conference at New Castle County Police headquarters Friday morning. “Over the last 6 weeks, my family and friends have spent so many sleepless nights wondering who and why someone would commit such an unspeakable crime against such an amazing young man,” Evans said.

In late July, New Castle County increased the reward money in the case to $40,000. County Police Chief Col. Elmer Setting said that was a big factor in making the arrest of Jennings. “This is one of those cases where there is clear evidence that CrimeStoppers and putting reward money by our Council and our County Executive has proven very fruitful,” Setting said. “This was a tragic case. Extremely sad for the Evans family. A bright young man’s future cut short.”

While police did not detail what linked Jennings to the shooting, Setting said the case is still in progress. “This arrest by no means marks the end of our involvement or the end of this investigation,” Setting said. 

Jennings was charged with first-degree murder, firearm possession during commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited due to past felony conviction. She’s being held at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution without bail.