Woman pleads guilty to murder in Port Mahon shooting death

Craig Anderson
Posted 7/11/17

DOVER — A 20-year-old Camden-Wyoming woman is facing 15 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to murder in a shooting death at the Port Mahon Pier last year. Appearing in Kent County …

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already a member? Log in to continue.   Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Woman pleads guilty to murder in Port Mahon shooting death

Posted

DOVER — A 20-year-old Camden-Wyoming woman is facing 15 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to murder in a shooting death at the Port Mahon Pier last year.

Appearing in Kent County Superior Court Monday morning, Chelsea Braunskill admitted to second-degree murder and second-degree conspiracy regarding Dontray Hendricks’ death on March 30, 2016. She will be sentenced on Sept. 13, and Resident Judge William L. Witham Jr. ordered a pre-sentence investigation, potential restitution to Hendricks’ family, a possible fine and ordered no contact with two co-defendants.

Prosecutors alleged that Braunskill accompanied Mr. Hendricks to the pier to supposedly smoke marijuana and knew of a plan to rob him upon arrival. Mr. Hendricks died from a gunshot to the torso after a confrontation with suspects, police said, and Braunskill supposedly left the scene in his vehicle.

Mr. Hendricks’ family was unavailable for comment after the 15-minute proceeding that began at 10 a.m. Citing the pending sentencing, Prosecuting Deputy Attorneys General Jason Cohee and Lindsay Taylor had no comment.

Through defense attorney Alexander Funk, Braunskill’s family provided a statement:

“We want to express our remorse and sympathy over the tragic death of Dontray Hendricks.”

Chelsea Braunskill

Speaking before the judge, Ms. Braunskill - wearing glasses and while dressed in red Department of Correction clothing with black lettering and shackled at the ankles — said she fully understood the plea’s ramifications, knowingly and willingly accepted the offer and acknowledged that she was adequately represented by counsel.

Mr. Funk said Ms. Braunskill, “understands the facts, circumstances, and allegations forming the basis of what goes into those charges.”

The plea deal included “a lot of discussion” between Mr. Funk, prosecutors and Braunskill, according to the defense.

“All in all I think this plea is a fair resolution in this case,” Mr. Funk told the judge.

Braunskill was previously charged with first-degree robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and second-degree conspiracy. She turned herself in to police on April 26, 2016 and was arrested and indicted by a Kent County grand jury on July 5, 2016.

Zhyhee Y. Harmon, 23, of Dover, earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by person prohibited and second-degree conspiracy in connection with the case. He will receive at least 10 years and possibly 18 years in prison when sentenced on Sept. 13 by Judge Witham.

Daiquan T. Bordley, of Dover, who police allege fired a fatal shot in the incident, is scheduled for trial on Aug. 21. He was 22 years old at the time of his arrest in Smyrna on April 29, 2016.

featured, crime, courts
Members and subscribers make this story possible.
You can help support non-partisan, community journalism.

x
X