DOVER — Two men have been arrested in connection with a shooting that left a 22-year-old man dead and another man wounded as large crowds gathered following Delaware State University’s homecoming, Dover police announced.
Timeline of the incident and arrests
The shooting occurred about 9:19 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, in the parking lot of the Dover Commons shopping center along the 1200 block of North DuPont Highway, police said. Officers were already patrolling nearby when gunfire erupted as thousands of students and visitors were in the area after homecoming activities.
“thousands of students and visitors attending Delaware State University's homecoming events”
Investigators identified two suspected shooters during the probe. Dover police executed a warrant at a home on the 500 block of Crawford Avenue on Oct. 16, and officers, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service and Delaware State Police, arrested a 22-year-old Dover man without incident after he came out of the residence, authorities said. Inside the home, officers recovered a 9 mm handgun, ammunition and clothing and accessories believed to match items worn during the shooting.
Days later, on Oct. 21, the U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force in Salisbury located and arrested the second suspect — an 18-year-old man — at a residence in Snow Hill, Maryland, according to police.
Victim, injuries and public safety context
Police identified the man who died as 22-year-old Nasir Cox of Philadelphia. Another man, 21, was wounded in the incident. Authorities have not released additional information about the injured man’s condition.
Police said they were already present in the area before the shooting because of the increased crowds at shopping centers and other locations following the university’s homecoming events. Investigators have not provided a public motive for the shooting.
Charges and legal action
Both suspects face a slate of serious charges brought by Dover police. Those charges, as outlined by authorities, include:
- First-degree murder
- Attempted first-degree murder
- Three counts of possession of a firearm
- Four counts of first-degree reckless endangering
- Carrying a concealed deadly weapon
| Suspect | Age | Arrest date | Location of arrest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspect 1 | 22 | Oct. 16 | 500 block of Crawford Avenue, Dover |
| Suspect 2 | 18 | Oct. 21 | Snow Hill, Maryland |
Law enforcement cooperation
The arrests followed joint efforts by local and federal law enforcement. Dover police investigators worked with the U.S. Marshals Service and Delaware State Police on the Oct. 16 operation. The U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force carried out the Oct. 21 arrest in Maryland.
Police said evidence seized during the Dover search — including a 9 mm handgun, ammunition and clothing items — matched what was observed during the shooting. Authorities have not said whether either suspect has entered pleas or provided statements to investigators.
Community reaction and next steps
The shooting occurred in an area that had drawn large numbers of students and visitors for university events, heightening concerns about public safety during campus celebrations. Dover police have not announced additional measures for future DSU gatherings but said their presence in the area during homecoming was consistent with normal public-safety operations for large events.
Prosecutors will determine formal charging and next steps in the cases as the suspects proceed through the criminal justice system. Court dates and other case filings have not yet been made public.
Anyone with information about the shooting or the investigation is asked to contact the Dover Police Department or the appropriate tip lines. Authorities continue to gather evidence as the investigation moves forward.
Simone Alvarez is the state correspondent for WE NEWS covering criminal justice and public safety in Delaware.
