During the course of this investigation, detectives determined that this shooting resulted from an altercation between roommates.  During the course of the altercation, one of the roommates, Desmond Elliott, 26, introduced a handgun. The other roommate, James Harland, 35, was shot multiple times by Elliott and died from his injuries. During the course of the altercation between Elliott and Harland, Elliott also suffered a gunshot wound to the wrist and was admitted to an area hospital.

Elliott was charged today by Newark Police with the following offenses:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (2 counts)
• Receiving a Stolen Firearm

Elliott appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video from his hospital bed.  He was released on $43,000 unsecured bail.

This case remains under investigation by Newark Police detectives.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. A. Whitt at (302) 366-7100 x. 3483 or awhitt@newark.de.us.  Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.

Original Release

Over the past week, two additional suspects have turned themselves in to Newark Police Detectives after arrest warrants were issued for their involvement in this incident.

The additional arrests include Brian J. Blake Jr., 18, and a 17 year-old male, both from Wilmington.

Each was charged with 30 total offenses, including:

• Attempted Robbery First Degree (2 counts)
• Robbery First Degree
• Robbery Second Degree
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (2 counts)
• Conspiracy Second Degree (3 counts)
• Reckless Endangering Second Degree (7 counts)
• Conspiracy Third Degree (3 counts)
• Assault Third Degree (7 counts)
• Menacing (4 counts)

Blake appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $213,700 cash bail.  Blake was turned over to the custody of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.

The 17 year-old male appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video and was released on $280,000 unsecured bail to appear in Family Court at a later date.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Det. P. Keld at (302) 366-7100 x. 3106 or pkeld@newark.de.us.  Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.

Prior press releases:
Original Release
Update #1