DOVER, Del. – Two Dover men have been convicted in connection with a deadly shooting at Delaware State University in April 2024 that claimed the life of Camay Mitchell DeSilva, an 18-year-old prospective student.
Damien Hinson, 19, and Destry Jones, 22, pled guilty to multiple charges following their indictments for the killing. On September 22, Hinson pled guilty to second-degree murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and first-degree conspiracy. He was sentenced to a total of 40 years in prison. Jones pled guilty on September 24 to manslaughter, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and first-degree conspiracy. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on December 4, following a Pre-Sentence Investigation. Attorney General Kathy Jennings called DeSilva a “bright, promising, and beloved young woman” and said the case highlighted the senselessness of the violence. She thanked the Department of Justice staff and Dover Police Department for their work in securing the convictions and expressed hope that the outcome offers closure to DeSilva’s family.
Dover Police Chief Thomas Johnson said the shooting was the result of a “petty dispute” and described it as a preventable tragedy. He praised the investigative work of Detective Bowman and the collaboration between the Dover Police Department, Delaware State University Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies. The fatal incident occurred on April 21, 2024, during an altercation over money between Hinson and Jones and two other individuals. During the confrontation, Jones supplied Hinson with a firearm, which Hinson fired seven times. None of the intended targets were struck, but one bullet hit DeSilva, who had no connection to the men involved. Chief Johnson said the community must continue to address gun violence, calling the loss of DeSilva a tragedy that should serve as a reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior.
Photo: delaware.gov
