Delaware
Vigil held for 10-year-old boy killed by driver on way home from school in Delaware
NEW CASTLE CO., Delaware (WPVI) — Family, friends and the Wilmington community held each other tight as they grieved the loss of a 10-year-old who was killed by a driver on Monday.
The crash happened shortly after 4 p.m. near the intersection of Faulkland and Centerville roads in New Castle County.
James Messick and his 12-year-old best friend were walking home from school when they were hit by a vehicle.
James died at the hospital. His friend was taken to Nemours Children’s Hospital, where he was treated and released.
New Castle County police said the 17-year-old driver was traveling on Faulkland Road and approaching Centerville Road when the vehicle went into the opposite lane and struck the children as well as a house.
Through the tears, loved ones shared their memories at Marbrook Elementary School Friday night.
“I want to remind all of his friends that although James is gone, he is still here, watching you and believing in you,” said the boy’s mother during the vigil.
READ MORE: 10-year-old dies, 12-year-old injured after being hit by car while walking home from school in Del.
10-year-old dies, 12-year-old injured after being hit by car while walking home from school in Del.
“He always stood up for us,” said James’ friend. “Once that was the last time we ever saw him, we didn’t know what to do because he was such a good friend to us, and we just don’t know what to do without him.”
After the vigil, loved ones walked down to the scene, where there was a growing memorial, and vowed to make sure a tragedy like this never happens again.
“I would like to ask the community to be aware of yourself when you’re driving,” said Adam Gibson, who is James’ stepfather. “Please be aware of your surroundings. We want to make sure that intersection gets some improvements.”
And to carry on James’ legacy.
“You’ll be in my heart forever bud,” said Gibson. “A piece of me has been taken. But I will keep moving forward for us because I know that’s what you would want us to do.”
“So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart,” said the boy’s aunt, Angel Andrews.
Police are still investigating the incident and the driver is not facing any charges at this time.
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DELAWARE COUNTY, Ohio — People in Delaware County said it feels like new housing developments are popping up on every corner.
WSYX
“What haven’t you noticed, right? The whole area just exploded,” said Scott Shonebarger.
Scott Sanders, the executive director of the Regional Planning Commission, said companies like Intel and other industries are a main driver for thousands of people moving to Delaware County.
With the big boom comes an urgent need for more housing.
John Wicks is the developer at Real Property Design and Development.
He has spent over a decade building homes for families in Delaware County.
Wicks said the Olentangy School District is one of the hottest spots for new homes.
“I started with one high school up until the 90s, then now we’re up to four up to five different high schools so it’s just a big draw,” said Wicks. “It’s a beautiful community.”
The district has grown into the fourth largest in Ohio with a new elementary school opening next year, and a fifth high school in 2028.
Wicks said the growth has presented some challenges over the years like labor shortage and some opposition.
“It’s become a big issue for a lot of people that live in and around these areas. They tend to oppose new growth and new development, so restrictions have gotten a little bit harder. Costs have obviously gone up over the last 20 years,” said Wicks.
The planning commission says between 275,000 and 350,000 people could call Delaware County home by 2040.
That’s up from 214,000 in 2020.
Scott Shonebarger said he supports growth but wonders when is enough.
“I mean to a certain extent I think you know at some point right you have to have some sort of boundaries I think, getting into the fact that now you have five high schools,” said Shonebarger. “What’s the limit?”
Police in Wilmington, Delaware, shot and killed a 19-year-old man Wednesday night.
The incident happened in a residential area near 24th and Jessup streets just after 11 p.m., Wilmington police said in a news release. The person who was shot has not been publicly identified.
Officers were monitoring a large crowd gathered outside when they saw a man exit a home with a handgun and point it toward the crowd, police say.
When officers approached the man, he ran away and a foot pursuit began, police say.
At some point in the chase, an officer fired their weapon and hit the 19-year-old. The man was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
Police say they recovered a loaded gun from the man and that the officer was not injured.
Video filmed at the scene shows a crowd of residents gathered outside after the shooting.
Police are asking anyone with more information to come forward. The shooting is under investigation by the Delaware Department of Justice and Wilmington police.
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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