Police in Delaware are investigating after a teen boy was killed and another critically injured in a shooting outside of the Concord Mall in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday night.
According to the Delaware State Police, on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at about 10:45 p.m., troopers responded after a shooting in the parking lot of the Concord Mall, along the 4700 block of Concord Pike, in Wilmington, to find two teenagers that had been shot.
Officials said that troopers began life-saving efforts on both boys and they were immediately transported to nearby hospitals.
However, despite the efforts of first responders, officials said a 16-year-old boy -- who police provided no further identifying details on -- was pronounced at the hospital, while the other, a 17-year-old boy, was placed in "serious" condition, according to law enforcement officials.
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According to the state police, an investigation into the incident found that a fight is believed to have broken out at the entrance to the L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival that was being held across from the Concord Mall in the adjacent parking lot.
During the fight, officials said, an unknown suspect is believed to have pulled out a firearm and fired several shots -- striking the two teens.
Officials said the suspect then fled in an unknown direction.
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An investigation into this incident, police said, is ongoing.
The L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival posted a flyer on its social media stating that the carnival would be closed Sunday night due to the weather and giving their condolences.
On Monday, the carnival was closed by order of the mall management The carnival was scheduled to run through Sunday, May 19.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic act of violence that took place this weekend, and our hearts are with its victims," Concord Mall Management said in a statement. "The final days of the carnival have been canceled, effective immediately."
"I'm sad someone lost their life my prayers go out to their families," Nick De Mauro, L.E.A.D.S executive director, said. "It says we need to intensify our prevention efforts to reach more children, to reach more people to make good decisions. This is exactly why this charity is in business."
Detectives with the Delaware State Police are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. McDerby by calling 302-741-2729.
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.
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