09.20.25
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COLD CASE HOMICIDE: JANE PRICHARD (1986)

Victim: Jane Prichard, 28-year-old female

Date of Incident: September 20th, 1986

Location: 502 Blackbird Forest Road, Smyrna, DE 19977

Community: Blackbird Forest

Investigation Details:

Jane Prichard, a graduate student at the University of Maryland studying botany, was found dead in Blackbird Forest State Park on the evening of September 20th, 1986, by two campers. Detectives determined she was fatally shot with an unknown firearm. She was last seen alive shortly after 10:00 AM by a hunter, who provided detailed descriptions of her clothing, vehicle, and scientific equipment.

Detectives are seeking to identify a possible suspect or witness. A composite sketch depicts a white male with a beard, approximately 5’9″ to 5’10” tall, medium build, wearing a brown jacket and blue jeans.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit at 302-395-8110 or email: Coldcase@Newcastlede.gov

The victims and families of our unsolved cases are not forgotten. Ongoing efforts by the New Castle County Division of Police and the Criminal Investigations Unit’s Cold Case Unit are being made to bring about a resolution to each case. Additionally, if you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a violent crime or has lost a loved one to sudden death and needs assistance, the New Castle County Division of Police Victim Services Unit is available to offer you support and resources through (302)395-8000.

If you’d like to report information anonymously, Delaware Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit organization that offers cash rewards of up to $5,000 for anonymous tips that lead to an arrest. Be sure to retain your Tip ID and password to follow up, provide additional details, or claim a cash reward. Submit a tip by calling 1-800-TIP-3333, visiting www.delawarecrimestoppers.com, or using the P3 Tips mobile app.

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.