City of Wilmington
News from the Office of Police Chief Michael J. Szczerba
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 11:32 a.m.
Contact:
M/Sgt. Steven H. Barnes
Wilmington Police Headquarters
300 N. Walnut Street
(302) 576-3162
Wilmington Police detectives have announced that 20-year-old Carlos Torres of the 400 block of Bethune Drive in New Castle, DE has been formally booked for the murder of 18-year-old Marco Cruz. He was apprehended on February 17, 2010 in Hagerstown, Maryland with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals task force, the Delaware State Police, and the Hagerstown Police Department. Yesterday, Tuesday, March 2, 2010, Torres was transported to Wilmington and charged with:
He was transported to Howard Young Prison and is being held without bail.
The investigation is continuing.
The original January 26th press release is below.
Last night (Monday, January 25, 2010) at approximately 10:09 p.m., Wilmington Police were on routine patrol in the area of 2nd & DuPont Streets when two officers were flagged down by a gunshot victim. The victim, a 16 year old Wilmington teen, was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his hand, arm and torso. He pointed to a man walking in the street as one of the men who had just shot him. The officers attempted to stop the man, who ran as soon as he was pointed out. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was apprehended without incident. Additionally, officers recovered a loaded 9mm handgun that the suspect threw as he was running. After the foot pursuit ended, dispatchers notified the officers on the scene that there was another gunshot victim in the 300 block of N. Scott Street. Upon arrival on Scott Street, officers located an 18 year old Wilmington man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his torso. This victim was also identified as the brother of the first victim. He was transported to the Christiana Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the two victims had just left their home and were walking in the 200 block of N. Scott Street when they were approached by three men. One of these men opened fire on the victims, striking both. The 16 year old was able to run from the scene, while his 18 year old brother collapsed in the 300 block of Scott Street. The 16 year old was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was listed in good condition. The homicide victim has been identified as 18-year-old Marco Cruz of Wilmington.
The apprehended suspect has been identified as 17-year-old Aking Deleon, who has been charged with Murder 1st Degree, Attempted Murder 1st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by Persons Prohibited and Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon. He has been transported to the New Castle County Detention Center.
Also wanted for the same charges is 20-year-old Carlos Torres of N. Jessup Street in Wilmington. He has not been apprehended as of this writing.
The investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information regarding this crime, please contact Detective Ronald Muniz at (302) 576-3667. Callers may remain anonymous.
Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.
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