Delaware News

DOJ Secures Lengthy Prison Sentence for 2023 Murder, Robbery

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | Newsroom | Date Posted: Wednesday, April 16, 2025


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A 35-year-old New Jersey man has been sentenced to decades in prison following a guilty plea in the 2023 murder and robbery of Dennis Davis.
On April 9, Deontay Willingham, of Bridgeton, New Jersey was sentenced to 26 years in prison after having previously pled guilty to Murder Second Degree, Robbery Second Degree, and two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. The sentence follows an investigation led by the Wilmington Police Department.
“I am deeply grateful to our prosecutors and the Wilmington Police Department for their hard work and dedication to this case,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Justice has been served, although we know nothing can bring back the life that was stolen by senseless gun violence. Our hearts are with the victim’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
“This lengthy prison sentence reflects the diligence and dedication of both our detectives and our partners at the Delaware Department of Justice,” said Chief Wilfredo Campos. “I appreciate everyone’s efforts to hold this violent offender accountable, and to deliver justice on behalf of the victim and his family.”
On June 11, 2023, Willingham approached Davis, 37, in the area of East 23rd Street and North Market Street in Wilmington, Delaware and struck up a conversation. Willingham proceeded to shoot Davis unprovoked, striking the victim twice before stealing a necklace pendant from him. Davis was transported to Christiana Hospital where he died of his wounds.
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DOJ Secures Lengthy Prison Sentence for 2023 Murder, Robbery

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | Newsroom | Date Posted: Wednesday, April 16, 2025


Navy blue background featuring the Delaware state seal in the center
A 35-year-old New Jersey man has been sentenced to decades in prison following a guilty plea in the 2023 murder and robbery of Dennis Davis.
On April 9, Deontay Willingham, of Bridgeton, New Jersey was sentenced to 26 years in prison after having previously pled guilty to Murder Second Degree, Robbery Second Degree, and two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. The sentence follows an investigation led by the Wilmington Police Department.
“I am deeply grateful to our prosecutors and the Wilmington Police Department for their hard work and dedication to this case,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Justice has been served, although we know nothing can bring back the life that was stolen by senseless gun violence. Our hearts are with the victim’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
“This lengthy prison sentence reflects the diligence and dedication of both our detectives and our partners at the Delaware Department of Justice,” said Chief Wilfredo Campos. “I appreciate everyone’s efforts to hold this violent offender accountable, and to deliver justice on behalf of the victim and his family.”
On June 11, 2023, Willingham approached Davis, 37, in the area of East 23rd Street and North Market Street in Wilmington, Delaware and struck up a conversation. Willingham proceeded to shoot Davis unprovoked, striking the victim twice before stealing a necklace pendant from him. Davis was transported to Christiana Hospital where he died of his wounds.
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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.