DOVER, Del. — A 22-year-old man has been found guilty of multiple serious charges, including murder, stemming from a series of violent incidents in December 2023 that shook the Dover community. Jaquan Fletcher was convicted by a Kent County Superior Court jury on Tuesday, concluding a trial that highlighted a disturbing pattern of gun violence.
The jury’s verdict included first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, and four counts of illegal possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. In addition to these convictions, the court found Fletcher guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition due to a previous felony conviction, which prohibits him from having firearms.
Fletcher’s violent spree spanned several days in December. On December 2, he shot a 45-year-old man in the parking lot of 1450 Forrest Avenue, inflicting serious injuries. Just days later, on December 8, he shot a 25-year-old man near Village Drive and Quail Hollow Drive, causing similar wounds. The series culminated on December 14, when Fletcher shot and killed 42-year-old Frederick Tolson and injured a 59-year-old man at a residence on Ann Avenue. There has been no established connection between Fletcher and any of the victims.
The impact of these events has resonated deeply within the Dover community, as residents grapple with the ramifications of unchecked gun violence. Local officials have expressed concerns over public safety and the need for more robust measures to curb gun-related incidents.
Fletcher’s sentencing is set for August 12, where he could face a minimum of life in prison, plus an additional 52 years. The maximum penalty could extend to four life sentences plus 116 years, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the potential risk he poses to public safety.
The cases surrounding Fletcher serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement and communities face in addressing gun violence. It raises questions about the broader implications for public safety and the need for effective strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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