Dover, Del. – Authorities in Dover, Delaware are actively investigating the tragic shooting of an 18-year-old on the campus of Delaware State University. The victim, identified as Camay Mitchell DeSilva, from Wilmington, Delaware, was fatally shot in the early hours of Sunday morning. Police are seeking any leads that could assist in identifying a suspect in this case.
The incident occurred near the Warren Franklin Residential Hall on Sunday, April 21, where officers responded to reports of a shooting around 1:40 a.m. DeSilva, who was not a student at the university, was found with gunshot wounds to her upper body and later succumbed to her injuries at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus.
According to DSU officials, DeSilva, along with another individual, was visiting someone on campus when the shooting took place. The perpetrator, who remains at large, was last seen fleeing towards College Road, as reported by university officials.
In response to the tragedy, a national nonprofit organization, formed in the aftermath of a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for any information leading to an arrest in the case. The Dover Police Department emphasized that DeSilva was not involved in any altercations, indicating that she was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.
Following the shooting, Delaware State University has implemented increased security measures, canceled events, and closed the campus for the day. Counseling services are being provided to support the campus community, with plans for a forum to update students, faculty, and parents on the situation.
As the university community grapples with the tragic loss, students and parents are advocating for enhanced security measures on campus to prevent future incidents. DSU President Tony Allen commended resident assistants for their quick response and assured the community that both university police and local law enforcement are actively working to apprehend the suspects involved in the shooting.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. While no descriptions of suspects are available at this time, the police encourage the public to report any leads to the Dover Police Department or Delaware Crime Stoppers.