Teen dies after shots fired into Delaware crowd near Beach Highway

Nine people were struck by bullets during a shooting at an outdoor party in Delaware on Halloween night, leaving one teenager dead. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, along the 18000 block of Beach Highway in Ellendale. Delaware State Police reported that an unknown suspect fired shots from a neighboring property into the crowd.

The victim was a 17-year-old girl from Seaford. She was rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died. A 20-year-old man from Seaford was also hospitalized with life-threatening gunshot wounds. Seven other people sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to area hospitals.

Among the injured were two 17-year-old boys from Selbyville. A 19-year-old woman from Ellendale, a 20-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man from Seaford, a 20-year-old woman from Greenwood, and a 22-year-old woman from Laurel were also treated. All nine victims were attending the gathering when the gunfire began.

Governor Matt Meyer issued a statement following the tragedy. "No family should have to receive the call that someone they love has been shot," Meyer said. He added that people in Newark and Ellendale are facing pain and fear that no one should have to endure. Meyer condemned the acts of violence and thanked law enforcement officers and emergency personnel for their response.

Delaware State Police are investigating the shooting in Ellendale while also engaging with Newark Police regarding a separate incident. Investigators are urging anyone who attended the party or has information to come forward. They asked witnesses to contact Detective B. McDerby at (302) 741-2821.

The governor stated that his administration will continue to support safety personnel and local partners, as well as the victims and their families. "Every Delawarean deserves to feel safe in their community," Meyer wrote in the statement. He emphasized that the state must never accept gun violence as part of life in Delaware.