NEW CASTLE, DE — An 18-year-old man died following a July 22 shooting near Wilton Boulevard and Stonebridge Boulevard, and police say two teenagers have been arrested while a third suspect remains at large. Officers responded at approximately 3:58 p.m. and found Mateo Renato Banegas of New Castle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, Banegas was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Detectives with the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigation Unit identified three suspects: a 16-year-old male from Bear, a 17-year-old male from New Castle, and 19-year-old Mehki Wilson of Elkton, Maryland.
Police said the 16-year-old was taken into custody on July 25 and charged with murder in the first degree, attempted murder in the first degree, three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, conspiracy in the first degree, and reckless endangering in the first degree. The 17-year-old was arrested on August 7 and charged with murder in the first degree, attempted murder in the first degree, three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, conspiracy in the first degree, and reckless endangering in the first degree.
According to officials, the 16-year-old was arraigned in New Castle County Family Court and is being held at the New Castle County Detention Center in lieu of $1,045,000.00 cash bail. The 17-year-old was also arraigned in Family Court and is being held at the same facility in lieu of $1,500,000.00 cash bail. Authorities emphasized that all offenses are allegations and that any suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Warrants remain active for Mehki Wilson on charges including first-degree murder. Police said Wilson has ties to New Castle, Delaware, and Elkton, Maryland. The Division’s Fugitive Apprehension & Surveillance Team, assisted by the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, is seeking the public’s help locating him.
The FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to Wilson’s arrest. Delaware Crime Stoppers is also offering up to $5,000.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Matthew Donovan at 302-395-2781, matthew.donovan@newcastlede.gov, or the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800. Tips may also be submitted to the Criminal Investigation Unit at 302-395-8110, via Facebook Messenger to “New Castle County Police,” Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333, or 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
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