Delaware
True justice in Delaware requires effective and compassionate rehabilitation
3-minute read
On Dec. 7, 2000, the worst thing imaginable happened to my family: my older brother Yusuf Dixon was tragically murdered by an acquaintance of his. The loss for my family was unspeakable. Every day I think about my brother, what his life would have been like, and how much I miss him in my own life.
The person who killed him was arrested, prosecuted and convicted. He was barely an adult but sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
My family and I have spent the years since we lost my brother talking about what justice would look like for us. Of course, we were angry and devastated by the senseless loss of my brother, but over the years, our conversations often turn to concern for the man convicted of his murder.
My brother’s murderer has been incarcerated for over two decades and will be eligible for parole soon. He’s missed out on his 20s and 30s and will likely come out of prison middle-aged and with few resources. I believe strongly that he should have access to a supportive and compassionate probation program that helps him succeed in the community. It makes no sense that two lives need to be ruined: my brother already lost his life, but continuing to punish the person who killed him once he has served his time does not bring my family justice. That is why I am a strong supporter of Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 4 — SB 4 — sponsored by state Sen. Marie Pinkney.
SB 4 would reform our probation system to ensure that those leaving prison are given the tools they need to succeed. I hear from far too many people on probation that they are often set up to fail, as one minor technical violation — like missing a meeting with their probation officer or failing to complete an educational course — could land them back in prison. Under this new legislation, most people on probation would only go back to prison if they commit a new crime. Probation officers would be encouraged to use more rehabilitative tools to work with people on probation to keep them out of prison and help them to meet all the conditions of their probation.
SB 4 would also require each person’s probation conditions to be individualized for their specific needs. Currently, nearly every person on probation in Delaware receives identical rules they must follow. This makes little sense considering the wide variety of needs each person has. I want the probation system to assess my brother’s killer for his specialized needs that must be addressed for him to successfully transition out of prison, rather than receiving a one-size-fits-all approach that may not work for him.
The pain that my family went through when we lost my brother is something we want no other person to ever go through, and that is also why I am passionate about probation reform. If the person who killed my brother is given all the tools to succeed, my hope is that he will be able to get a job, stable housing, mental healthcare and be able to reconnect with his family. All of those things are the key factors to ensure he does not commit a new crime in the future and is able to make positive contributions to our community.
My brother was a loving, joyful person who I remember as a man who cared deeply about his community. The person who took him from us has been punished, and it is a better testament to Yusuf’s memory to show mercy, grace and forgiveness. Justice for my family is honoring the values my brother had: restoration, not retribution. Please honor crime victims like my brother and help to create a justice system that promotes rehabilitation and compassion.
Jasmine Dixon is the Sussex County Organizer for Network Delaware.
Delaware
Local police departments earn state accreditation
The Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission recently announced that the Dewey Beach Police Department and Rehoboth Beach Police Department have both earned state accreditation from the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission.
As part of the rigorous process, a team of DPAC assessors ensured all accreditation standards were met by completing comprehensive, on-site inspections of each agency, reviewing their policies and procedures for compliance, and conducting interviews with department members.
“This milestone represents a significant step forward for public safety in Delaware. The initial state accreditation of these police agencies reflects a strong commitment to professionalism, accountability and excellence in law enforcement. I commend each department for their dedication to serving their communities with integrity and for upholding the highest standards,” said Joshua Bushweller, Department of Safety and Homeland Security secretary and DPAC chair.
Delaware
DDA inducts three Delaware Century Farms – 47abc
Dover, Del. – Three farms, one from each of Delaware’s counties, were inducted into the Century Farm Program by the state Department of Agriculture on Thursday at the Delaware Agricultural Museum.
Each of the family farms has been owned and operated for at least a century. Each received a sign for their farms, an engraved plate and legislative tributes.
In addition to Secretary of Agriculture, Don Clifton, and Deputy Secretary Jimmy Kroon, state Senators David Wilson (R – District 18) and Kyra Hoffner (D – District 14) were also in attendance.
Wright Family Farms are located in Harrington in Kent County. In 1919, the farm was purchased by William Wright. Over a century later, William’s grandson, Ronald, is the owner and his great-grandson, Greg, said he hopes to continue the family legacy by buying the farm from his father.
Although the event celebrated each family for their hard work and resilience, it also highlighted the challenges farmers have to surmount to stay in business today, let alone for a hundred years.
“The price of equipment, the price of fertilizer, the price of seed, everything is just gone up,” Greg said. “So, you know, everything’s going up that we gotta purchase just to stay in business.”
Clifton, Kroon and Wilson also echoed difficulties in balancing the need to preserve agricultural land with the need to develop housing and sustainable energy projects like solar power.
“I know housing is very important, and we want people to always have good housing, but at some point, I think you’re going to saturate the area with more houses than you have food to feed these people,” Wilson said.
Kroon also said there are difficulties in keeping future generations motivated to stay in farming.
“When you think about it in the context of multi-generational farm families, there’s a real long-term challenge where a new generation may think twice about whether they want to keep farming if it’s always a struggle,” he said.
Clifton said farming has always been a challenging way of life, but it has been so since time immemorial.
“These families, their experience shows that they have an appreciation for the way of life and perseverance and that’s to be honored and emulated to the greatest extent possible,” he said.
Greg said he hopes to pass down the way of life so that his family legacy can live on for another hundred years, as well as for other families.
“A hundred years as the same family tilling the land, that’s, you know, that’s an honor right there,” Greg said. “And I hope that more farmers who are close to 100 years old will be doing the same thing. You know, keep it in the family.”
Delaware
Investigation underway after man’s body pulled from Delaware River
An investigation is underway after police said a man’s body was pulled from the Delaware River in South Philadelphia.
According to police, around 9 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, emergency responders pulled an unidentified man from the Delaware River, near the Navy Yard. Medic’s pronounced the man dead at 9:11 a.m.
Léelo en español aquí.
SkyForce10 flew above as police and other first responders were on the scene.
NBC10
NBC10
Police are working to determine the circumstances of the incident and identify the man.
This is a developing story; check back here for updates.
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