(New Castle, DE 19720) On August 31st at approximately 10:30 p.m. patrol officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Freedom Trail in the community of Saddlebrook Townhouses for the report of gunshots in the area.

When the units arrived at the scene, they located a male victim lying in the roadway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. The officers administered First-Aid however their efforts were unsuccessful, and the subject 38-year-old Ernest Staples was subsequently pronounced deceased.

Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit arrived at the scene and assumed the investigation.

“I can assure Mr. Staples’ family that the New Castle County Division of Police is making every effort to find the person(s) responsible for taking his life.”, stated Colonel Vaughn M. Bond, Jr. “We can’t do this alone therefore we are asking our community partners to come forward with any information you may have.  We understand the reluctance to get involved; however, keep in mind you can provide information anonymously.”

If you have any information and/or video pertaining to this investigation, please contact Detective Jeffrey Sendek. (Jeffrey.Sendek@newcastlede.gov or 302-395-8110). You can also contact the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.

Citizens can also contact Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visit us on Facebook (IM) at New Castle County Police. A cash reward is available to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible for violent crimes being investigated by the New Castle County Division of Police.

nccpdnews.com/2021/09/01/police-investigate-homicide-on-freedom-trail/

-###-