Delaware News


Brandon Wingo’s murderer sentenced to 23 years in prison

Criminal Division | Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | Newsroom | Date Posted: Friday, January 17, 2025


Navy blue background featuring the Delaware state seal in the center
Attorney General Kathy Jennings on Friday announced the sentencing of the man responsible for the broad daylight murder of 15-year-old Brandon Wingo.
Diamonte Taylor, 27, of Wilmington, was sentenced to 23 years in prison, followed by descending levels of probation after pleading guilty to Murder 2nd Degree and Conspiracy 1st Degree. As a part of the plea colloquy, Taylor admitted to recklessly causing the death of Brandon Wingo under circumstances that demonstrated a cruel, wicked, and depraved indifference for human life. The sentence follows an investigation into the gang-related murder of Brandon Wingo in 2016.

“Let me first say, on behalf of the DOJ and of law enforcement, that our hearts have been with Brandon Wingo’s family today and every day since his murder,” said Attorney General Jennings. “They have gone through hell for the last eight years. This case has consumed multiple teams of prosecutors, police, and staff – and while it now comes to a close, we will not soon forget it. The women and men of this department go to work each day in pursuit of justice and accountability for those who are harmed – and in particular for the victims of gun violence. Finding justice for Brandon and his family has been long, exacting and painful. Today the case is, at last, closed – but for the families affected by gun violence, closure remains more elusive than justice. I remain deeply grateful for the work that our team and the police have devoted to this case.”

Taylor – along with another associate from the Wilmington area gang Shoot To Kill, Zaahir Smith, 27 – was indicted for engaging in a series of gang-related firearm violence, including Wingo’s murder, during the month of May 2016. Prior to Wingo’s murder, Taylor and Smith robbed two men at gunpoint after setting them up in Newark.
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.

Brandon Wingo’s murderer sentenced to 23 years in prison

Criminal Division | Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | Newsroom | Date Posted: Friday, January 17, 2025


Navy blue background featuring the Delaware state seal in the center
Attorney General Kathy Jennings on Friday announced the sentencing of the man responsible for the broad daylight murder of 15-year-old Brandon Wingo.
Diamonte Taylor, 27, of Wilmington, was sentenced to 23 years in prison, followed by descending levels of probation after pleading guilty to Murder 2nd Degree and Conspiracy 1st Degree. As a part of the plea colloquy, Taylor admitted to recklessly causing the death of Brandon Wingo under circumstances that demonstrated a cruel, wicked, and depraved indifference for human life. The sentence follows an investigation into the gang-related murder of Brandon Wingo in 2016.

“Let me first say, on behalf of the DOJ and of law enforcement, that our hearts have been with Brandon Wingo’s family today and every day since his murder,” said Attorney General Jennings. “They have gone through hell for the last eight years. This case has consumed multiple teams of prosecutors, police, and staff – and while it now comes to a close, we will not soon forget it. The women and men of this department go to work each day in pursuit of justice and accountability for those who are harmed – and in particular for the victims of gun violence. Finding justice for Brandon and his family has been long, exacting and painful. Today the case is, at last, closed – but for the families affected by gun violence, closure remains more elusive than justice. I remain deeply grateful for the work that our team and the police have devoted to this case.”

Taylor – along with another associate from the Wilmington area gang Shoot To Kill, Zaahir Smith, 27 – was indicted for engaging in a series of gang-related firearm violence, including Wingo’s murder, during the month of May 2016. Prior to Wingo’s murder, Taylor and Smith robbed two men at gunpoint after setting them up in Newark.
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.