DELAWARE POLICE BEAT NEWS: Murder, armed robbery of 7-Eleven, Check N Go

MURDER AT THE BUDGET INN

The Delaware State Police have identified 49-year-old John Pipkin of Wilmington, Delaware, as the victim of a homicide that occurred at the Budget Inn in New Castle on December 22, 2024. The murder suspect, identified as 30-year-old Marvin Clifford of North Charleston, South Carolina, was arrested for multiple felony charges yesterday.

On December 22, 2024, at approximately 8:21 p.m., troopers responded to the Budget Inn, located at 3 Memorial Drive, New Castle, for a report of a shooting. Upon arriving, troopers found John Pipkin in the parking lot, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Pipkin was transported by EMS to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation and learned Pipkin was shot by an unknown suspect during a robbery that occurred in the rear parking lot of the motel.

Through investigative means, detectives identified Marvin Clifford as the suspect responsible for the homicide, and he was taken into custody. On December 23, 2024, at Troop 2, Clifford was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $1,110,000 cash bond.

Murder 1^st Degree (Felony)

Attempted to Commit Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)

Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)

Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)

The Homicide Unit is still actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking for anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Grassi by email at daniel.grassi@delaware.gov or by calling 302-365-8441. 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.

CHRISTMAS ROBBING SEASON IS ALMOST OVER, AS THUG GOES FOR THE LOOT THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS IN BEAR

The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery at a 7-Eleven in Bear last night.

On December 23, 2024, at approximately 7:49 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery at the 7-Eleven, located at 1700 Pulaski Highway in Bear. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown black male suspect approached an employee inside of the store, and demanded he open the cash register. While making the demand, the suspect implied he had a gun and threatened to shoot the employee. The employee complied, and the suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a black male wearing dark-colored clothing. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit is continuing to investigate the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective D. Armstrong by calling (302) 365-8440. 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.

CASH WENT AT GUNPOINT AT CHECK N GO

The Delaware State Police report that they are investigating an armed robbery that occurred at a Check ‘n Go in Newark.

On December 23, 2024, at approximately 11:10 a.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Check ‘n Go, located at 27 Chestnut Hill Plaza in Newark. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown black male suspect entered the business, displayed a firearm, and demanded money from the cash register. The employee complied, and the suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a black male wearing dark-colored clothing. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has relevant information to contact Detective D. Patterson at (302) 365-8404. 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.