19-year-old shot and killed by police in Wilmington, father speaks out
Wilmington police shooting: Family questions death of 19-year-old
A 19-year-old man was shot and killed by police just after 11:00 p.m. Wednesday in the area of 24th and Jessup streets, according to police. The man’s father identified him as Kadir Skinner, and his family is demanding answers about the circumstances of his death.
WILMINGTON - Police in Wilmington shot and killed a 19-year-old man during a chase after they say the suspect pointed a gun towards a large crowd.
What we know:
Investigators say officers were patrolling near the intersection of 24th and Jessup streets in Wilmington just after 11 p.m. Wednesday night when they observed a large gathering.
While officers were monitoring the crowd, investigators say they saw a man armed with a handgun exit a residence and point the firearm towards the crowd. When officers approached the 19-year-old, he fled on foot, according to police.
During the chase, an officer "engaged the suspect and discharged their department-issued firearm, striking the suspect." He was taken to a local hospital where he died.
Police say officers recovered a loaded firearm from the suspect. No officers were injured in the encounter.
What they're saying:
Durrell Dollard, the father of the 19-year-old, identified his son to FOX 29 News as Kadir Skinner.
Dollard said he was up the street when he heard a "commotion," and soon found out that his son had been shot. When he went to ask police what happened and identified himself as Skinner's father, Dollard said he was maced by an officer.
The heartbroken father said police did not tell him what happened to Skinner, learning hours later at the hospital that police had made a social media post about the incident.
"It's not right," Dollard said. "Nobody came and talked to me and said anything to me. It's not right."
Dollard added that witnesses he's spoken to have a different account of the incident than what police have shared.
"What [police] are saying is totally different from what I am hearing," Dollard said. "The community is saying something totally different from what the police officer gave me – make it make sense to me."
"I’m not OK I want transparency on what happened to my son. I’m not OK," said Rashai Skinner, Kadir's mother.
"We got another one lost another Wilmington child," said Dollard.
Dollard said he heard his son say, "'I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe,' and they still put handcuffs on him and put him in back of police car…I feel like my son was hunted. Shot in the back two to three times. I don’t know I’m not getting any information."
A local pastor, Derrick Johnson, said, "We’re gonna stick together stand for what’s right and get justice for this young man and his family."
The other side:
Wilmington City Council released the following statement regarding the fatal incident:
"Wilmington City Council extends its deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and all those affected by the tragic loss of a 19-year-old member of our community following a recent officer-involved shooting. Our community is grieving. A young life has been lost, a family is experiencing unimaginable pain, and many residents are feeling sadness, anger, uncertainty, and a desire for answers. We recognize the weight of this moment and the impact it has had across our city.
We have been informed that the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with established policy, and that an independent investigation by the Delaware Department of Justice is underway. It is essential that this investigation proceed independently, thoroughly, and without interference so that the facts can be determined.
As this process moves forward, our focus must remain on supporting the victim's family and loved ones as they grieve while respecting their need for privacy during this incredibly difficult time. We also encourage our community to care for one another, check in on neighbors, and seek peaceful ways to support healing during this period of sorrow.
Wilmington City Council remains committed to transparency, accountability, and building trust with the community we serve. We will continue to share verified information as it becomes available through the appropriate authorities, while respecting the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
We ask all Wilmington residents to keep the victim's family, everyone affected by this tragedy, and our entire community in their thoughts and prayers as we move forward together with compassion, unity, and a shared commitment to justice."
What's next:
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation, per department policy.