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Middletown school leader charged with sharing child sex abuse material to messaging app

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Middletown school leader charged with sharing child sex abuse material to messaging app


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A Middletown school administrator was arrested after state prosecutors say he uploaded child sexual abuse material online to a messaging app.

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The Delaware Department of Justice announced 25 felony charges involving possession of child sexual abuse material against 43-year-old Justin Smith, the head of school at St. Anne’s Episcopal School since July of 2024. The Justice Department said Friday night that they have “no indication” at this time that Smith’s crimes are linked to his role at the school.

Still, they noted St. Anne’s − a self-described independent school serving grades preschool through eighth, according to its website − is “fully cooperating” with the investigation.

Attorney General Kathy Jennings called the evidence “shocking and abhorrent” in a written statement Friday, noting that Smith’s job put him in a position of trust with children.

Smith’s charges do not involve contacting a child, according to the DOJ, and there are no victims affiliated with the school or community at this time.

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Because of Smith’s job, however, the state is asking the public to come forward with any information they may have in this case. Anyone with information can contact the Delaware Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at (302) 739-2030. 

What prompted the investigation of Justin Smith?

Investigators from the state Department of Justice and Delaware State Police, as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, received multiple CyberTips from Kik Messenger warnings, according to the Justice Department. The warnings indicated that social media accounts belonging to Smith had uploaded child sexual abuse material from an IP address belonging to Smith.

The tips prompted investigators to execute search warrants on the social media accounts, the state said, which found more child sexual abuse material.

Smith was arraigned and taken to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $625,000 cash bail.

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Delaware Justice Departing to Head Up New University Law Center

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Delaware Justice Departing to Head Up New University Law Center


Delaware Supreme Court Justice Karen L. Valihura announced Wednesday that she will lead a new corporate law institute at the Wilmington University Farnan School of Law.

She will step down from the bench of Delaware’s highest court in late July, after choosing not to seek reappointment at the end of her 12-year term. She revealed her plans for the next phase of her legal career in a special session of the court in Wilmington.

As well as joining the Wilmington University law school faculty, Valihura will be the founding director of the school’s new Corporate Law, Governance and Practice Institute. …



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16-year-old boy killed in Wilmington, Del., shooting Monday night, officials say

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16-year-old boy killed in Wilmington, Del., shooting Monday night, officials say


Wilmington Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy Tuesday night in Wilmington’s Hilltop neighborhood. 

According to police, the shooting occurred at approximately 8:33 p.m. in the 1600 block of West 5th Street. 

On their arrival at the scene, police say they located the 16-year-old with at least one gunshot wound and transported him to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

This incident remains under investigation.

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Police did not share whether there have been any arrests in connection with the shooting or a possible motive.

Wilmington Police encourage anyone with information about this incident, contact Detective Justin Wilkers at (302) 576-3634. Information can also be sent to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or Delawarecrimestoppers.com.  

The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) Victim Service Unit and Youth Response Unit are available to provide information and support to victims, children, and families affected by this incident. 

The Victim Service Unit can be reached at (302) 576-3622, and the Youth Response Unit can be reached at (302) 576-3183. 

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Vigil held for 2 teens killed in hit-and-run in New Castle County; driver in custody

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Vigil held for 2 teens killed in hit-and-run in New Castle County; driver in custody


Two 17-year-olds, Cara and Nathan, were struck and killed while walking on South Dupont Highway, according to Delaware State Police. Police say the driver did not stay at the scene, but investigators have now arrested a suspect.

Community mourns teens killed on South Dupont Highway

What we know:

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Delaware State Police say the crash happened around 1:10 a.m. last Sunday while Cara and Nathan were walking an e-bike in or near the left lane of southbound Dupont Parkway near Denny Lynn Drive. Police say the driver initially stopped but then left the scene.

Troopers later arrested 23-year-old Nizaiah Ellis during a traffic stop and say the car had damage consistent with the crash.

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Police say the two teens were headed to Cara’s house to leave for a trip with her family later that day.

Family and friends gathered Tuesday for a memorial to remember Cara and Nathan. 

“It’s still new. It comes in waves but sometimes you just feel paralyzed and numb,” said Rachel Roderick and Heather Feeley, the teens’ mothers. 

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“I want others to hug their babies extra tight. Take so many photos you don’t know what to do to them. (Say yes to your kids more.)” said Roderick and Feeley.

“Forgiveness would have been easier had he not left our babies. Left. So senseless,” said Cara’s mother, Heather Feeley.

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Roderick said, “It’s beautiful. The love is what’s keeping us going. The support of the community.”

The teens’ lives and dreams remembered

Cara graduated high school a year early and was a student at Del Tech, hoping to become a cosmetologist. 

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Nathan would have been a senior in high school this fall and wanted to own a mechanics business working on boats, motorcycles and cars.

Family and friends described the teens as kind and deeply loved. 

“They were so kind. They loved everyone as is displayed here today. No one was not a friend and they loved each other immensely,” said Feeley. “They both touched so many lives and I don’t even think they realized how big of an impact they left on everyone,” said Roderick.

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Kaelynn Miller, one of Cara’s best friends who helped organize the memorial, said, “Kara and Nathan never deserved this. If anyone is listening to this they weren’t just a person. The people you took were some of the most genuine souls out there.”

Today would have been Cara’s 18th birthday. Parents said the two were dating at the time of their deaths.

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A GoFundMe has been set up for Cara’s family and Nathan’s family.

What we don’t know:

Police have not released further details about the investigation or any potential charges for the driver. 

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Additional information about the ongoing case has not been provided.

The Source: Information from Delaware State Police and interviews at the memorial.

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Crime & Public SafetyNewsNew Castle County



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