Troopers Investigating Large Fight At High School Graduation

The Delaware State Police are investigating a large fight that occurred at the conclusion of the Sussex Central High School graduation ceremonies. One man has been arrested and charges are pending against a juvenile suspect.

On May 30, 2023, at approximately 8:40 p.m., troopers working the graduation detail at Sussex Central High School were alerted to a large crowd of people fighting outside of the main gate to the ceremonies. Troopers responded and observed a 48-year-old Millsboro woman being kicked and punched by a 16-year-old girl, who was yelling and then began walking away from the area. There was also a 29-year-old Millsboro man who was seen punching at people during the fight, including this same teenage girl.

Troopers contacted the girl after she walked across the softball field and began fighting again. Troopers separated her and spoke with her father, but both parties refused to cooperate with the investigation and soon departed from the area. Troopers were able to break up the large fight and disperse the crowd. However, at that time there were no victims who remained behind at the scene to report their injuries or provide their accounts as to what had occurred.

Troopers began investigating this incident and were able to identify the 48-year-old woman who was seen being kicked and punched during the fight. Troopers contacted her and on May 31, 2023, she came to Troop 4 with her 15-year-old daughter to report their injuries. The woman had a scratch on her nose, and the girl had a black eye and a swollen nose. Troopers were able to identify the 16-year-old girl who had struck these two victims, and there is currently an active warrant for her arrest for the misdemeanor charges of Assault Third Degree (two counts) and Disorderly Conduct.

Troopers also identified the 29-year-old Millsboro man as David Cupery. Cupery turned himself in to Troop 4 and was charged with Offensive Touching and Disorderly Conduct, both misdemeanors. Cupery was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and was released on his own recognizance.

Neither the 16-year-old suspect nor the 15-year-old victim are students at Sussex Central High School.

Troopers are still investigating this incident. Investigators are asking for anyone with information regarding this case or anyone else who was injured during the fight to contact Lieutenant M. DiSilvestro by calling 302-752-3818. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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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