Woman, 55, found dead in Hockessin home; man in custody

New Castle County police investigate suspicious death on Withers Way in Sanford Ridge neighborhood. (Photo: Delaware Free News)
New Castle County police investigate suspicious death on Withers Way in Sanford Ridge neighborhood. (Photo: Delaware Free News)
Crime scene on Withers Way in Sanford Ridge (Photo: Delaware Free News)
Crime scene on Withers Way in Sanford Ridge (Photo: Delaware Free News)

UPDATED STORY: 21-year-old man charged with murdering Hockessin psychiatrist

HOCKESSIN, DELAWARE (10/14/2015) A 55-year-old woman was found dead in her Hockessin home this morning and New Castle County police say they have a man in custody.

A family member called 911 just before 4 a.m. and reported she had just found her mother dead in her home in the first block of Withers Way in the Sanford Ridge neighborhood, which is off Lancaster Pike and adjacent to Sanford School, police said.

New Castle County paramedics pronounced the woman dead at the scene, said Officer First Class Tom Jackson, a police spokesman.

About 4:30 a.m., a man called 911 claiming to be responsible for the woman’s death, Jackson said. Officers went to his home in the Autumnwood neighborhood and took him into custody without incident.

“He provided details about the incident that indicated his involvement and no other suspects are being sought at this time,” Jackson said. “He is currently at NCCPD HQ and being held while this investigation is evolving. More details will be released in the near future as this investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 302-573-2800.

Tips also may be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards, at 800-847-3333 or www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.