WILMINGTON, DE – A 23-year-old hospital intern faces first-degree murder charges after allegedly opening fire inside ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital, killing one coworker and critically injuring another.
Fatal Shooting Inside Medical Facility
The shooting occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16, sending the downtown Wilmington hospital into an immediate lockdown. Responding officers searched the massive 622,100-square-foot facility and located two 19-year-old male victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
One victim tragically succumbed to his injuries, while the second remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
Suspect Arrested In Philadelphia
Authorities have identified the suspect as John Wallace-Bey of New Castle, Delaware. Following a multi-hour manhunt, Wallace-Bey was taken into custody late Monday night in Philadelphia, located about 30 miles north of the crime scene.
Hospital officials confirmed that Wallace-Bey, an intern in the community health technology department since February, and both victims were ChristianaCare employees.
Severe Charges and No Bail
According to Philadelphia County municipal court documents, Wallace-Bey was denied bail during his preliminary arraignment on June 17. He is currently awaiting extradition to Delaware to face multiple felony charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- First-degree attempted murder
- Two counts of possession of a firearm during a felony
- Carrying a concealed deadly weapon
An extradition hearing has been officially scheduled for June 29.
Targeted Attack Under Investigation
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos stated that the shooting appears to be a targeted and isolated incident. Investigators are still working to determine the motive and how a firearm was successfully brought into the medical facility.
Wilmington Mayor John Carney expressed heartbreak over the tragedy, emphasizing that healthcare workers and patients should never have to fear for their safety.
