Delaware man beaten to death with bat

New Castle County detectives now believe a Claymont man murdered last week in Silvercroft was beaten to death with a softball bat.

43-year-old Wayne Cappelli’s body was discovered, Feb. 18, in some brush on the side of the road near a home in the 2100 block of Delaview Avenue; but, police say the man, who lived in Overlook Colony in Claymont, was killed two days prior. 

“The homicide is believed to have occurred between 9:30 and 10:30 the night of February 16th as the victim was on his way home from work,” said Cpl. John Weglarz with county police.

An autopsy ruled Cappelli died from significant blunt force trauma to his upper body. His upper body was beaten so bady, detectives initially thought he might have been hit by a car.

Police do not have a suspect at this time, but detectives are asking for the public’s help. The department released surveillance video of two cars driving on Delaview Avenue between Marsh and Veale Roads around the time of the murder. Police are hoping someone can identify the vehicles caught on camera. Officers believe the drivers and/or passengers in the cars might be witnesses to the crime.

“Detectives are also asking for individuals throughout New Castle County who, while out walking, have been approached by any suspicious person(s) and/or vehicles and as a result were threatened or assaulted, to also contact our agency,” Weglarz said, adding all information can remain anonymous. 

If you have any information, you are asked to contact the New Castle County Police Department‘s criminal investigation unit at 302-395-8110 or call Detective T. Orzechowski at 302-395-8133 or via email at TOrzechowski@nccde.org.

The department also receives text messages. Text keyword NCCPD followed by your message to 847411.

You can also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Delaware Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $1000 to persons providing anonymous information that leads to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.