Tuesday’s fatal shooting in the parking lot at Smyrna Middle School is now considered as a double homicide, with a second victim discovered elsewhere in Smyrna.
Delaware State Police say just before 10:30 Tuesday morning a 38-year-old woman was shot in the school’s parking lot.
Police believe the woman and a 47-year-old man arrived at the school together to pick up their daughter for a medical appointment. Police say the man shot the woman during an ensuing argument.
Police say the man fled the scene in the vehicle the couple arrived in, then switched to another vehicle parked nearby. Troopers found the suspect’s vehicle around 11 a.m and pursued him into Maryland. He ultimately shot himself before crashing near Galena, Maryland - and died later at a Maryland hospital.
Police say their investigation led them to a second victim. That 21-year-old woman - an acquaintance of the first victim - was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound at her home on the 800 block of McLane Gardens.
“Facts that were obtained during the course of the investigation in the first homicide is what led officers to conduct a welfare check on the second victim,” said Delaware State Police Police Cpl. Jason Hatchell.
Police say the bodies were turned over to the Division of Forensic Science where an autopsy will be performed to determine the manner and cause of death.
“The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit and the Smyrna Police Department are continuing to investigate this murder suicide and there is no concern for public safety. There is no motive established at this time and the names of the victims and suspect are being withheld pending notification of next of kin,” said Hatchell.
Hatchell adds the two victims knew each other and both murders were likely over a domestic dispute.
