Three murders in Wilmington within 24-hour period; Two may be connected

Wilmington Police are working on their 10th, 11th and 12th homicide this year simultaneously; all three incidents happened on three separate occasions within a 24-hour period.

Wilmington Police Chief Michael Szczerba says it all started at 12:50 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, when shots were reported at 10th and Pine Streets. Police say 16-year Anthony Newman of Wilmington was shot in the head and died while being transported to the hospital.

Twelve hours later, shortly after 1 a.m., Wednesday, 26-year old William Pennewell of New Castle was found shot in a car at 9th and Grant Avenue. Pennewell was taken to Christiana Hospital where he later died of his injuries.

The city’s 12th homicide took place 20 minutes later in the 800 block of North Madison Street. Monique Boyce, 24, of Wilmington and her boyfriend were both shot during a home invasion. Boyce died from a gunshot wound to the upper torso at the home, while the male victim managed to get away through a second floor window. The 25-year old is in stable condition after receiving help from a nearby officer.

“This is tragic, three tragedies occurring within a 24-hour period. We feel for the families and will treat each one of these homicides as if it was our first homicide of the year, and we’ll do a thorough follow through with our detectives,” said Chief Szczerba.

Police believe the two Wednesday morning shootings may be connected, but will wait further into their investgation before that’s confirmed.

In the meantime, Wilmington Police urge anyone with information about either of the shootings to come forward. People can call Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.