Welfare check leads to arrest of Delaware man, 37, in connection with father's death, police say

Police in New Castle County have launched a homicide investigation after a man was found dead inside a home, according to officials. 

Authorities say officers responded to the block of Verdi Circle in Christiana Falls on Tuesday just before midnight to conduct a welfare check. 

When officers arrived, they met 37-year-old Allan Henderson Jr at the front door who ran and was later detained after being chased, authorities say. 

Police later entered the home and found 65-year-old Allan Henderson Sr. dead inside the property, according to investigators. 

MORE LOCAL HEADLINES

Officials say Henderson Sr. was found with multiple lacerations and significant trauma to his body. 

The junior Henderson was transported to the New Castle county Police headquarters and charged with first-degree murder and related charges. 

His bail has been set at more than $1 million cash. 

"It’s pretty scary," neighbor Kenneth Battin said. "It still hasn’t registered all the way. It’s unbelievable, because I was just talking to him."

Two neighbors told FOX 29 they heard a woman screaming from the property.

"As of this point, there’s no active threat to the community," Corporal Michael McNasby, with the New Castle County Police Department, stated.

Battin said he has known the man since he moved to the neighborhood three years ago. He said the victim drove trucks for a living and often worked on his personal vehicle.

"He was just a really cool, mellow guy. He stayed to himself and he never really bothered anybody," Battin explained. "It is really shocking. He will be greatly missed, that’s for sure."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Daniel Vucci at 302-395-8110 or by email at Daniel.Vucci@newcastlede.gov. Additionally, information can be phoned in to the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number of 302-573-2800, or by visiting the New Castle County Police Facebook page, here, or through Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333, or through their website, here.