Authorities from the Delaware State Police and Delaware Department of Justice have launched an investigation into a custody death that occurred at Troop 3 in Camden.
Officers were dispatched to a Misty Way home in Hartly around 8:00 p.m. on May 27, 2026, responding to reports of domestic violence. Before law enforcement arrived at the scene, they received word that the suspect, 49-year-old Shane Mullen of Hartly, had fled the location driving his girlfriend’s car. Mullen was wanted on an outstanding felony domestic violence warrant from a May 22, 2026 incident at the same address. Officers also learned he had allegedly attacked his girlfriend again that evening. As ground units searched for Mullen, the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit spotted the vehicle and began a chase. The pursuit traveled through Maryland before returning to Delaware and concluding back at the Misty Way residence. Mullen initially would not exit the vehicle when ordered. After eventually getting out, he continued to disobey police commands. Officers released a police dog, which Mullen attacked before being apprehended.
Medical personnel took Mullen to a local hospital to treat injuries from the dog bite, and he was later discharged.
After his hospital release on the morning of May 28, 2026, officers brought him to Troop 3 where he faced multiple charges.
The charges included:
• 5th Offense Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest with Force or Violence (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle
• Assault Second Degree on Law Enforcement Animal
• Offensive Touching
• Breach of Release – 2 counts
• Traffic Charges
Additional charges related to the May 22, 2026 incident included:
• Strangulation (Felony)
• Assault Third Degree
• Breach of Release
Security cameras recorded Mullen alone in a temporary holding cell at Troop 3, where he used a shoelace to hang himself. Officers discovered Mullen and immediately began life-saving measures, but he was declared dead shortly afterward.
Given the circumstances of the death, the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit has taken over the case, working alongside the Delaware Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust.
After the investigation concludes, the Delaware State Police’s Office of Professional Responsibility will conduct its own review of the incident.
Crime victims, witnesses, or those who have lost loved ones to sudden death can receive help through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center, which provides 24-hour support via a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). The Victim Services Unit can also be reached by email at [email protected].
