SEAFORD, DE - The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal shooting in Sussex County Wednesday night.
According to DSP, police responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Nutter Park and Collins Ave just before 4:30 p.m.. Upon arrival, police found a 23-year-old man who had been shot. The man was taken to a nearby hospital but died of his wounds.
On Friday, March 14, police identified the 23-year-old victim as Schweitzer Dessin, of Seaford.
Police say two other men, 19 and 21, brought themselves to the hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Another man, 23, also brought himself to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
According to investigators, the shooting occurred during a large fight.
Around 9:30pm on Wednesday night, the Seaford School District announced that Thursday, March 13th, would be an asynchronous learning day for Seaford High School due to the shooting.
Superintendent Dr. DiGirolamo said, "While no current students were physically injured in today’s events, we recognize that many have close family ties within the community. In light of the fear, anger, and uncertainty this may cause, I am concerned that tomorrow could be an emotionally charged day, particularly for our high school students."
The school district says they are working closely with law enforcement and are offering outreach to the impacted families and students. They are also coordinating additional counseling support for those in need.
On Thursday, WBOC spoke with several residents living in the area of Collins Avenue and Nutter Parker, many of whom say they heard the gunshots Wednesday night.
"I just was scared and warned my son to get away from the door," says Collins Avenue resident Joy Shuler. "I feel safe, until you hear stuff like that, you just get really nervous."
Melvona Matthews says she knew some of the people involved in the incident.
"It's just hurtful because I knew three of them," says Matthews. "So, it's just painful to know that this is what our young kids are doing."
Matthews and others also expressed that they no longer feel safe at Nutter Park.
"The park is meant for the kids, and you can't bring the kids to the park," Matthews adds. "I don't come to the park."
Authorities say, on March 24, Jonathan Dugazon, 23, of Seaford, was arrested.
On April 15, Delaware State Police announced that 22-year-old Jamal Riddick of Blades, was also arrested.
Jamal Riddick
Delaware State Police
Troopers say Jamal Riddick was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,340,000 cash bond.
Jamal Riddick was charged with:
- Murder 1st Degree (Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 17 counts
- Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (Felony) – 17 counts
- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon – Firearm (Felony)
Delaware State Police ask anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact them at 302-741-2859.