Investigation underway after woman found fatally stabbed in Wilmington park

WILMINGTON, Delaware (WPVI) -- Police in New Castle County are investigating after the body of a woman was discovered in a park on Sunday.

Authorities say the woman died as a result of a fatal stabbing incident.

The discovery was made at approximately 7:30 a.m. at Kosciuszko Park in Wilmington, Delaware.

Authorities reported that a body had been found near the 600 block of South Franklin Street.

Police say the 59-year-old's body was found at the center of the park.

The park was temporarily closed to the public as police investigated. Action News was there as a medical examiner arrived at the scene.

"The park was fully blocked off with caution tape and then I happened to see a whole lot of ambulances and police officers," recalled Christine Merrill from Wilmington, who visits the park frequently.

There is no word yet on the woman's identity.

Neighbors say children play at the park often, and they were shocked to hear what happened so close to their homes.

"Scary, really scary, but it's not something you really hear every day. So it's kind of surprising," said Priscilla Hairston from Wilmington.

"It was kind of disturbing because you're thinking, 'Well, what's going on in my neighborhood?'" added Kristina Mayer from Wilmington. "I think there should be more police presence. They need to be looking for the people that live around here."

Other residents also voiced concerns since the park has a history of violence.

Action News reported on incidents as far back as 2012 when police say a teenager was sexually assaulted.

In 2013, police say two women were raped and another two women were robbed in the area.

"It's a little scary because of having kids. This is normally a pretty easy calm cool park to be in," noted Merrill.

More recently, Wilmington Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy says neighbors have reached out to her with other concerns.

"Their issues have been people sleeping here. They're seeing people do drugs here at the park," she stated.

McCoy says there have been efforts to deter crime and illegal activity, like increased lighting and signage.

"Parks are a gathering place, somewhere for our children to feel safe. The problem is we can do all these great things in the daytime but then after hours, we may not know what's actually happening in those evening hours," she said.

She is now working on establishing a block captain program and already has 10 community leaders on board to help keep an eye on the park so it can remain open and accessible.

"I don't want to see parks get fenced, I would love to be able to see behaviors get changed," said McCoy.

No arrests have been made in this case. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact the police at 302-576-3654.