10.03.23
by

INVESTIGATION UPDATE: DEATH INVESTIGATION NEAR SKYLINE DRIVE – WILMINGTON

(Wilmington, DE 19808) The New Castle County Division of Police has arrested 66-year-old Stephen Heck of Wilmington following an investigation into the death of Cynthia Amalfitano. On Monday, September 25, 2023, officers were originally dispatched to the 3400 block of Birch Circle in reference to a check on the welfare of Cynthia Amalfitano. Officers were unable to locate the victim, however they found her possessions, cell phone, and wallet inside the home. Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit later assumed the investigation. Officers and investigators followed up on multiple tips and conducted property checks for the victim. Detectives later located the victim deceased near a parking lot in Carousel Park on September 26, 2023.

The victim’s death was officially ruled a homicide on September 27, 2023. Detectives were able to identify a person of interest as the victim’s boyfriend, Stephen Heck. Following a thorough investigation into the incident, detectives authored a warrant for Stephen’s arrest on October 3, 2023. Heck was taken into custody without incident by detectives from the Special Investigations Squad. He was then transported to New Castle County Police headquarters. Stephen Heck was charged with one felony count of murder in the first degree. His arraignment is pending at this time.

“My thoughts are with the family during this tragic and difficult time”, stated Colonel Joseph Bloch, Chief of Police, “I would also like to commend our Criminal Investigations Unit for gathering enough evidence to take the suspect into custody, providing some measure of solace to the victim’s family.”

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Any individual wishing to provide information is asked to please contact Detective Gino Cevallos at (302)395-8129 or by email at Gino.Cevallos@newcastlede.gov

Tips can be forwarded to:

  • New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800
  • Criminal Investigations Unit at (302) 395-8110
  • Facebook (IM) “New Castle County Police”
  • Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333

Tips can be submitted anonymously.

Heck, Stephen (66)

###