NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE (7/18/2016) Two people who were found dead after gunfire in an apartment near New Castle have been identified.
New Castle County police called the deaths a murder-suicide.
The incident at the Georgetown Manor Apartments closed Route 273 (Christiana Road) for several hours Sunday night.
The woman was identified as 25-year-old Ebony Smith and the man as 27-year-old Braheem Queen.
“The investigation indicates that Braheem Queen shot Ebony Smith before shooting himself,” Officer First Class John-Paul Piser said.
About 6:15 p.m. Sunday, county police responding to check on the welfare of a resident heard a gunshot from the apartment. The officers evacuated the building and made telephone contact with the suspected shooter.
Residents of other apartment buildings were asked to remain in their homes.
The police department’s crisis negotiation team spoke with the man for several hours, and then heard what sounded like a gunshot over the phone, Piser said.
Officers then entered the apartment and found the two dead of apparent gunshot wounds.
Route 273 was reopened about 1:20 a.m.
Anyone with information on the shooting may 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.
Route 273 closed by gun incident near New Castle
