Delaware State Police Arrest Suspect For Murder

Delaware State Police arrested Erik Hilton, 22, of Bear, DE, for murder after a stabbing incident at a Newark area pizzeria that occurred last night.

On November 13, 2022, at approximately 6:10 p.m., troopers responded to La Piazza Di Caruso located at 830 Peoples Plaza, Newark, DE, for a report of an assault. Upon arrival, troopers located a 41-year-old male victim of Middletown, DE, inside the store with multiple stab wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

Further investigation determined the suspect entered the business and confronted the victim/owner of the store. The suspect stabbed the victim multiple times and fled the scene on foot. The suspect was located a short period later receiving medical treatment at an area medical center for an injury sustained during the attack.

The suspect identified as Erik Hilton was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with Murder First Degree (Felony) and Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony). He was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #11 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $1,060,000.00 cash bond.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Grassi by calling 302-365-8441. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

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