Monthly Archives: September 2025

09.17.25
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DETECTIVES ARREST TWO IN WILTON HOMICIDE; SEARCH ONGOING FOR THIRD SUSPECT

(New Castle, DE 19720) On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at approximately 3:58 p.m., officers from the New Castle County Division of Police responded to Wilton Boulevard and Stonebridge Boulevard for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 18-year-old Mateo Renato Banegas of New Castle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by officers and Emergency Medical Services, Banegas was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Through an extensive investigation, Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Unit were able to identify three suspects: a 16-year-old male of Bear, a 17-year-old male of New Castle, and 19-year-old Mehki Wilson of Elkton, MD.

On July 25, 2025, the 16-year-old male was taken into custody and charged with the following:

  • Murder First Degree
  • Attempted Murder First Degree
  • 3 Counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
  • Conspiracy in the First Degree
  • Reckless Endangering First Degree

On August 7, 2025, the 17-year-old was taken into custody and charged with the following:

  • Murder First Degree
  • Attempted Murder First Degree
  • 3 Counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
  • Conspiracy in the First Degree
  • Reckless Endangering First Degree

The 16-year-old was arraigned by New Castle County Family Court and is being held at the New Castle County Detention Center in lieu of posting $1,045,000.00 cash bail.

The 17-year-old was arraigned by New Castle County Family Court and is being held at the New Castle County Detention Center in lieu of posting $1,500,000.00 cash bail.

Warrants remain active for Mehki Wilson on charges including Murder First Degree. He is known to have ties to New Castle, DE, and Elkton, MD. The Division’s Fugitive Apprehension & Surveillance Team, with the assistance of the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, are searching for Mekhi Wilson and are seeking assistance from the public.

The FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force is offering a reward of up to $5000 for information leading to Mehki Wilson’s arrest. Delaware Crime Stoppers is also offering a reward of up to $5000 for information leading to Mehki Wilson’s arrest.

If you have information regarding Mehki Wilson’s whereabouts, please contact Detective Donovan at (302) 395-2781, via email at matthew.donovan@newcastlede.gov, or by calling the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800.

Tips can also be submitted through:

  • Criminal Investigation Unit: (302) 395-8110
  • Facebook Messenger: “New Castle County Police”
  • Crime Stoppers: (800) TIP-3333 or online at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com
  • 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
09.17.25
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It is with heavy hearts that the New Castle County Division of Police announces the passing of K9 Nox

Earlier this week, after showing signs of illness, Nox was taken to the vet where testing revealed fluid around his lungs and a cancerous tumor on his heart. To prevent further suffering, his handler made the difficult decision to let him go peacefully. Surrounded by love and care, Nox was laid to rest on September 16th.

K9 Nox, a Belgian Malinois from Slovakia, joined our Division in 2022. He served as a dual-purpose K9 certified in patrol operations, explosives detection, and SWAT. Known for his tireless drive, speed, and love of fetch, Nox embodied both strength and spirit.

Please keep Master Corporal Cory Tanyer, his family, our K9 Unit, and the Department of Public Safety in your thoughts during this difficult time. The bond between a handler and his K9 is truly unmatched, and Nox will be deeply missed.

09.13.25
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NEW CASTLE MAN CHARGED WITH FELONY DUI

(New Castle, DE 19720) Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police Traffic Services Unit have charged 40-year-old Richard Harris with felony DUI. On September 12, 2025, at 1141 a.m., the NCCPD Traffic Services Unit was conducting traffic enforcement near the intersection of Memorial Drive and Parma Avenue. While in the area, an officer observed a vehicle driving on the shoulder passing multiple cars that were traveling along Memorial Drive. The vehicle also nearly cause multiple accidents. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was identified as Richard Harris. Harris exhibited signs of impairment leading to a DUI investigation. The investigation also revealed that Harris had an active no contact order prohibiting him from driving due to 3 previous DUI charges with the most recent charge being from August 20th of this year.

Harris was detained and transported to New Castle County Police headquarters, where he was charged with one felony count of 3rd offense DUI, one misdemeanor count of non-compliance of bail conditions, and five traffic charges. Harris was charged with a third-offense DUI; however, because he already has a separate third-offense DUI case pending, this incident technically marks his fourth DUI arrest. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and later released after posting $6,005 cash bail.

Harris, Richard (40)

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