Suspect in woman's death killed after exchanging gunfire with police in Delaware

STANTON, Delaware (WPVI) -- The suspect who was being sought for allegedly shooting a woman to death, and then setting fire to a home in Stanton, Delaware, was killed after exchanging gunfire with police.

Delaware state police say a 57-year-old man from Milford broke into his ex-wife's home on Sunday morning and fired multiple rounds at the two people inside, hitting a 22-year-old Wilmington woman.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 20-year-old Wilmington man, the other person inside the home, fled to the nearby gas station to call police.

The owner was not at home at the time.

"The two victims were former family members of the suspect," said Cpl. Amina Ali of Delaware State Police.

After the shooting, police say the suspect set fire to the home and drove off.

Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the building.

"I saw smoke coming out of the top windows, it was really black. It was pretty bad," said Cameron Springfield from Wilmington.

The suspect's vehicle was later found in the area of the C&D Canal, while the suspect himself had climbed onto the lower level of a high-tension electrical tower.

Police say they spent four hours trying to negotiate with the man.

"He did fire into the air but, near the end, it escalated when he fired a weapon at troopers. That resulted in an exchange of gunfire," said Cpl. Ali.

Three troopers returned fire, killing him.

The names of those involved have not been released pending family notification.

Rebecca Bradson lives nearby. She said she broke into tears when she found out what happened.

"Hard-working people. Everyone I met there was nice. I speak Spanish so I was able to talk to them," she said.

Per standard procedure, the troopers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending a use-of-force investigation conducted in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice.

Anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. McDerby by calling 302-741-2821. Information can also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.