Delaware News

DOJ secures conviction in the killing of Cynthia Amalfitano 

Department of Justice Press Releases | Date Posted: Monday, November 4, 2024


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A Wilmington man has been convicted in the 2023 murder of Cynthia Amalfitano. On November 1, 2024, Stephen Heck, 67, was convicted of Murder 1st Degree by a New Castle County Superior Court jury. The conviction follows an investigation into the disappearance and death of then 64-year-old Cynthia Amalfitano, Heck’s former partner, whose body was discovered in Wilmington’s Carousel Park. 

“This tragic loss highlights the grave consequences of domestic violence,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “The defendant’s actions were chilling. I am grateful to our team and our partners in law enforcement for their commitment to bringing him to justice.”

“We commend our dedicated detectives and patrol officers for their outstanding work in this case,” said Acting New Castle County Police Cheif, Major Benjamin Feldmann. “Their relentless efforts and the Attorney General’s Office’s meticulous prosecution have achieved justice for Cynthia. We stand with the Department of Justice in acknowledging the profound impact of domestic violence and the importance of ensuring closure and accountability in these tragic cases.”

On September 25, 2023, Cynthia Amalfitano was reported missing after failing to report to work. During the search that followed, New Castle County police discovered Cynthia Amalfitano’s body in the underbrush of Carousel Park. Evidence collected during the investigation, including cell phone data, matching DNA, and bloodstains found in the defendant’s vehicle, contributed to the indictment. An autopsy confirmed that Cynthia died from strangulation and blunt force trauma.

Heck faces life without parole at the sentencing which has not yet been scheduled.

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DOJ secures conviction in the killing of Cynthia Amalfitano 

Department of Justice Press Releases | Date Posted: Monday, November 4, 2024


Navy blue background featuring the Delaware state seal in the center

A Wilmington man has been convicted in the 2023 murder of Cynthia Amalfitano. On November 1, 2024, Stephen Heck, 67, was convicted of Murder 1st Degree by a New Castle County Superior Court jury. The conviction follows an investigation into the disappearance and death of then 64-year-old Cynthia Amalfitano, Heck’s former partner, whose body was discovered in Wilmington’s Carousel Park. 

“This tragic loss highlights the grave consequences of domestic violence,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “The defendant’s actions were chilling. I am grateful to our team and our partners in law enforcement for their commitment to bringing him to justice.”

“We commend our dedicated detectives and patrol officers for their outstanding work in this case,” said Acting New Castle County Police Cheif, Major Benjamin Feldmann. “Their relentless efforts and the Attorney General’s Office’s meticulous prosecution have achieved justice for Cynthia. We stand with the Department of Justice in acknowledging the profound impact of domestic violence and the importance of ensuring closure and accountability in these tragic cases.”

On September 25, 2023, Cynthia Amalfitano was reported missing after failing to report to work. During the search that followed, New Castle County police discovered Cynthia Amalfitano’s body in the underbrush of Carousel Park. Evidence collected during the investigation, including cell phone data, matching DNA, and bloodstains found in the defendant’s vehicle, contributed to the indictment. An autopsy confirmed that Cynthia died from strangulation and blunt force trauma.

Heck faces life without parole at the sentencing which has not yet been scheduled.

image_printPrint


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.