Delaware State Police are investigating after two people were found dead inside a home in Milford on July 5 in what officers describe as an apparent murder-suicide.
What happened
Police responded to the 7000 block of Sugar Maple Drive at about 4:15 p.m. after a caller told 9-1-1 they had killed their spouse, according to investigators. Troopers attempted to reach the caller multiple times; when they could not make contact, members of the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team entered the residence.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| About 4:15 p.m., July 5 | Troopers respond to welfare check on Sugar Maple Drive |
| Shortly after | Special Operations Response Team gains entry; two deceased found |
Inside the home officers located a 38-year-old woman with gunshot wounds and a 43-year-old man who appeared to have a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released the victims' names, saying families must be notified first.
Investigation and public outreach
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit has taken charge of the investigation. Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Z. Spudis at (302) 752-3795. Tips also may be provided to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333 or via a private message to the Delaware State Police social media accounts.
- Location: 7000 block of Sugar Maple Drive, Sugar Maple Farms, Milford
- Responding unit: Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team
- Investigating unit: Delaware State Police Homicide Unit
Resources and context
Officials included information about support resources for people affected by domestic violence or suicidal crisis. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), online at thehotline.org, or by texting LOVEIS to 22522. For suicidal crisis help, callers may dial or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org.
This incident is the latest in a pattern of domestic-related fatalities nationally and underscores the role of welfare checks and rapid response in resolving potentially life-threatening situations. As the homicide unit continues its work, investigators are seeking any witnesses or neighbors who may have seen or heard anything in the area on July 5.
Anyone with relevant information should contact Detective Z. Spudis at (302) 752-3795.
