1 dead, another hospitalized following off-campus shooting near Delaware State University

DOVER, DE (WPVI) — Police in Dover, Delaware are investigating a double fatal shooting near Delaware State University.

It happened around 9:19 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of the Dover Commons shopping center in the 1200 block of North Dupont Highway.

According to police, before the shooting, thousands of students and visitors were attending Delaware State University’s homecoming ceremonies and had to end the events and leave campus around 6 p.m., leading to large crowds gathering at several nearby malls and other venues.

At the time of the shooting, more than 50 police officers, from multiple departments, were already working in the area to manage crowds and respond to significant disturbances that included multiple fights, calls for disorderly conduct and shots fired in multiple locations.

Officers were able to locate a 21-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.

While assisting the first victim, they also located a second victim, identified as Nasir Cox, 22, of Philadelphia.

Police say the Route 13 corridor between Delaware State University and several nearby shopping centers was completely clogged with vehicle and pedestrian traffic, which would have delayed emergency medical response.

The police immediately transported the victims to the hospital, where Cox, 22, succumbed to his injuries.

The victim, aged 21, remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact police.