Full Notification

A Wilmington Police investigation has led to the arrest of a Newark man in connection with a January 31 homicide.
 
At approximately 8:57 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, a Wilmington Police officer was on patrol in the area of Second Street and Van Buren Street when multiple gunshots were heard in the area.
 
Arriving units located a gunshot victim in the 1100 block of Pleasant Street near the intersection of Van Buren Street. The victim, who was identified as 59-year-old Wilmington resident Aracelio Cruz, was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
 
In the course of his investigation, Detective Bill Ball of the WPD Criminal Investigations Division developed 24-year-old Newark resident Frederick Trice as a suspect. On March 29, Detective Ball obtained an arrest warrant for Trice, and he was able to be located and taken into custody without incident by detectives and members of the United States Marshals Task Force on April 9.
 
Trice has been charged with the following offenses:
 

• Murder (First Degree)
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited

 
Trice was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Facility on $580,000 secured bail.
 
Chief Robert J. Tracy applauded the diligent investigation that led to the above charges.
 
“Our investigators work tirelessly on every case as they work to bring justice to victims and their families, and this case is a prime example of their dedication” said Chief Tracy. “I commend their efforts, and also appreciate the assistance of the public in working with us to close this case.”