Wilmington Hospital shooting suspect indicted on murder, felony charges
Wilmington hospital intern indicted on murder, attempted murder charges
Law enforcement provided an update on last week's deadly hospital shooting in Wilmington, highlighting the decisive and heroic actions of hospital staff that prevented further tragedy.
WILMINGTON, DE - John Wallace-Bey, 23, was indicted Monday on multiple felony charges, including First Degree Murder, for a shooting at Wilmington Hospital that left one person dead and another critically injured, according to Attorney General Kathy Jennings.
What we know:
Prosecutors say Wallace-Bey faces seven felony charges including Murder First Degree, Attempted Murder First Degree, Reckless Endangering First Degree, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, and three counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
Jennings said, "This was a shocking and traumatizing act of violence in one of our community’s most sensitive places."
She added that prosecutors and law enforcement "worked relentlessly to identify, detain, and charge the defendant and to interview witnesses."
On June 16, Wallace-Bey, an IT intern at Wilmington Hospital, allegedly entered the facility with a firearm and shot two hospital employees, killing one and critically injuring another before fleeing. The surviving victim is now in stable condition.
Police identify 19-year-old killed in Wilmington Hospital shooting
Authorities in Delaware have identified a 19-year-old man who was shot to death last week at Wilmington Hospital.
Law enforcement response and community reaction
"Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims of this senseless act of violence, as well as their families and every member of the ChristianaCare family who has been impacted," said Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos.
Campos also applauded the rapid response of Wilmington Police and thanked law enforcement partners for their support in quickly apprehending the suspect.
"This tragedy has deeply impacted our health care community, and we know many are still early in the grieving process. Our leadership team and I are committed to making sure our caregivers feel heard and know their questions and concerns matter, and we’re taking steps to further enhance their safety," said ChristianaCare incoming President and CEO Jennifer Schwartz.
Investigators believe the shooting was targeted and have not identified any prior criminal record for Wallace-Bey.
Prosecutors plan to move for his extradition to Delaware in the coming days.
Hospital staff credited with saving lives
Dig deeper:
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings said, "Under unimaginable pressure and terror, without knowing shooters whereabouts and without concern for their own safety cc med staff sprang into action to try to save both victims…second victim still with us today."
Hospital staff are now working through the trauma of their actions that day, according to officials. Officials highlighted the quick response of medical staff, saying their actions prevented further harm.
What's next:
Prosecutors will seek to extradite Wallace-Bey from Pennsylvania to Delaware so he can face charges.
Victim support teams from Wilmington Police and the Department of Justice are continuing to assist those affected.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not released the names of the victims or further details about the motive behind the shooting.
The timeline for Wallace-Bey’s extradition and court appearance has not been specified.
The Source: Information from the Delaware Department of Justice.