Three killed in Townsend, man charged with murder

TOWNSEND — Three people died and a 40-year-old man was charged with first-degree murder connected to the incident Friday, New Castle County police said.

According to police, at approximately 4 p.m., officers dispatched to the 300 block of Camerton Lane in the community of Camerton Townhouses in Townsend for the report of an injured person yelling for help.

As the officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a 68-year-old male on the front steps who had sustained multiple stab wounds to his upper body, police said. The officers rendered first aid while additional officers entered the residence to check on the occupants. Those officers found a 61-year-old female inside of the residence, also suffering from multiple stab wounds.

Two additional persons, a 53-year-old female and a 19-year-old male were also inside the residence. They had also sustained severe injuries to their upper bodies and were found to be dead.

The 68-year-old male and the 61-year-old female were flown by helicopters to area hospitals. The female later succumbed to her injuries, police said.

While officers were securing the crime scene, information was obtained that the suspect had fled in a red pickup truck, police said.

Assisting officers located the vehicle and suspect on Summit Bridge Road in the area of Bethel Church Road, at which time the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspect failed to stop and a pursuit ensued, police said.

During the pursuit, the driver, identified as 40-year-old Donald Grier, struck other vehicles, including a police vehicle prior to the pursuit ending and him being taken into custody.

Mr. Grier was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. No other injuries were reported in the crash.

Upon release from the hospital, Mr. Grier was transported to police headquarters where he was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, two counts of first-degree reckless endangering, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, and criminal mischief.

No arraignment or bail details were available Saturday.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of the victims involved in yesterday’s tragedy on Camerton Lane,” Col. Joseph Bloch, said.

“I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the efforts our officers, paramedics, and other First Responders in aiding the victims and apprehending the offender so quickly. Their ability to remain focused on the task at hand after witnessing such a horrific event does not go unnoticed by me or the public.

“My thanks go out to all our public safety partners in law enforcement, EMS, and the fire service who assisted us with this incident.”

Police ask anyone with information/or video to contact Detective Mancuso by calling 302-395-8110 or emailing him at John.Mancuso@newcastlede.gov. Information can also be called into the police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800 or via messenger Facebook.