NEWARK, DE - A fugitive wanted in multiple states has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to Tuesday's crash in Newark that claimed the life of a University of Delaware student, according to police.
Just before 4 p.m. on April 29, police were notified of a reportedly stolen U-Haul van near Newark's South Main Street. After finding the van in a shopping center parking lot, police say they moved in to arrest two suspects who returned to the vehicle. The driver then fled.
Newark Police say they did not pursue the van and all officers remained at the shopping center. The U-Haul then sped west on East Main Street before the driver lost control and struck two pedestrians, according to police. The U-Haul then struck multiple other vehicles, sending a parked car into a third pedestrian.
One of the pedestrians, a 24-year-old University of Delaware student, died at the scene. On Thursday, May 1, police identified the victim as Marina Vasconcelos, 24, of Northeast, Maryland.
Another 24-year-old student was seriously injured and taken to a local hospital, where they remain in stable condition.
The alleged driver of the van, 22-year-old Gordon Turner, of New Castle, was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation before being released to police custody. His passenger was taken to Newark Police Headquarters but has not currently been charged.
Turner was charged with the following:
-Murder Second Degree – Death Caused During Commission of a Felony
-Murder Second Degree – Reckless Conduct Showing Indifference to Human Life
-Assault First Degree – Conduct Creating Risk of Death or Serious Injury
-Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal
-Possession/Consumption of Marijuana in Excess of Personal Use Quantity
After arresting Turner, police say they learned he is a fugitive wanted in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. He was taken to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $305,500. Police say further charges may be brought against him.
Anyone with information or direct footage of the crash is asked to contact police at 302-366-7100.