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
Delaware woman charged in Jersey shore hit-and-run that injured 92-year-old man
VENTNOR, N.J. (WPVI) — A Delaware woman is behind bars in connection with a hit-and-run crash in November at the Jersey shore.
(The video in the player above is from previous coverage.)
The incident happened around 6:16 p.m. on Nov. 20 in Ventnor, New Jersey.
READ MORE | Video shows Jersey shore hit-and-run crash that left 92-year-old injured
Police said the 92-year-old victim was struck at Ventnor and Newport avenues. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
Investigators said the driver, Leslie Myers, 51, of Weldin Park, Delaware, fled the scene after the crash.
She was arrested Wednesday on charges of assault by auto, leaving the scene of an accident and other related offenses.
Myers is being held in the Allegheny County Jail in Pennsylvania, awaiting extradition to New Jersey.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Delaware
Delaware announces plan to tackle climate warming emissions
This story is part of the WHYY News Climate Desk, bringing you news and solutions for our changing region.
From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, what do you want to know about climate change? What would you like us to cover? Get in touch.
Delaware’s top environmental regulators have proposed steps to reduce climate-warming fossil fuel pollution, while protecting residents from threats like extreme heat and floods.
The state’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control on Wednesday released its 2025 Climate Action Plan. The nonbinding proposal outlines a path to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, as required by the state’s Climate Change Solutions Act.
Officials said Delaware residents continue to experience the impacts of climate change including severe storms like the 2021 Hurricane Ida, which forced people out of their homes, with some remaining unhoused a year later. In addition, sea level rise and beach erosion has flooded coastal communities and damaged critical infrastructure.
“Flooding, extreme storms and heat damage infrastructure that wasn’t built to withstand these conditions, including our energy systems,” said Susan Love, the agency’s climate and sustainability section administrator. “Sea level rise is drowning wetlands and uplands, and impacting water quality and availability. Damage from storms has increased costs for infrastructure and insurance coverage, and all of these impacts can negatively impact human health as well.”
Recommendations include strategies to reduce emissions from vehicles, industrial activities and electricity production — the source of the state’s top climate emissions.
The plan, which builds on similar goals set in 2021, comes as President Donald Trump’s administration has cut clean energy funding and prioritized U.S. reliance on fossil fuels.
“There is no doubt that the reduced funding in a lot of these areas from the federal government makes these goals and strategies harder to implement,” said DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson. “It is up to us to keep trying to work towards them, even knowing that it’s going to be a little harder to do without the federal resources that even a year ago we thought we could count on.”
Delaware officials plan to promote public transit, electric vehicles and clean hydrogen
The plan calls for increased bus and train ridership while improving access to electric vehicles and charging stations. Though lawmakers repealed a mandate that would have required manufacturers to produce a set number of electric vehicles, DNREC wants to expand programs that incentivize the optional sale of electric vehicles.
However, Love emphasized the state “can’t EV our way out of transportation emission.”
“A lot of work needs to be done as well to reduce the amount that we drive vehicles, by good land use choices, mass transit and making it easier for people to walk, bike and roll to their destinations,” she said.
Delaware
Can you legally ride e-bikes and scooters in Delaware
E-bikes alternative to cars for commuters top seller for bike shops
Eletric bikes are growing in popularity and have become a hot item in the bike industry. Bikes with motors are replacing cars for urban commuters.
Sure, cars and motorcycles are popular ways to get around. But if you can’t afford either one, an electric bike might save the day like Delaware’s own Superman.
Then again, is it legal to cruise around on an electric bike or electric scooter in Delaware?
Here’s a guide to help you stay out of trouble when traveling in the Small Wonder:
What are Delaware laws for riding electric bikes?
An electric bicycle may be ridden anywhere bicycles are allowed (unless posted otherwise), which includes streets, highways, roadways, shoulders and bicycle lanes.
Delaware prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from operating an electric bicycle, which features pedal assist only and tops off at 28 mph.
Difference between electric scooter, triped and moped explained
A motorized skateboard or scooter is any vehicle with two wheels on the ground, handlebars and a hand-controlled throttle or brake, designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, according to Delaware law.
While mopeds and tripeds are similar in design and size, mopeds have two wheels and tripeds have three wheels.
Where can you legally ride motorized vehicles?
Delaware law states that motorized skateboards or scooters can be used on public streets or highways as long as they are in the neutral position or the powertrain function is disengaged. However, in Newark, you can be fined $100 for riding motorized scooters on streets and sidewalks.
Mopeds and tripeds are prohibited on interstates and operating railroads, according to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.
Do you need insurance for a triped or moped?
No motor vehicle insurance is required for operating a moped or triped, according to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.
What rules are there for riding a scooter?
Delaware state law states that a person cannot operate a motorized skateboard or scooter while under the influence of alcohol or any drug.
Are there license and registration requirements for electric bikes?
If you want to operate scooters, they must be tagged and registered by the Division of Motor Vehicles, and the operator must have a valid driver’s license.
The Delaware DMV states that a basic driver’s license is required to travel with a moped or triped on public roadways.
The state of Delaware does not have any licensing or registration requirements for electric bikes.
Who can legally ride an electric scooter?
The minimum age to operate a scooter is 16. No person under 12 can operate a scooter unless they are under adult supervision or a parent or legal guardian.
Is there a law for wearing a helmet on a motorized scooter or skateboard?
To operate a motorized skateboard or scooter, bicycle-type helmets are required for those under 16, according to Delaware State law.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters
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