WILMINGTON, DE — Michael Bernier, a 26-year-old man, has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in Wilmington over two years ago, following an extensive investigation by local authorities.
On October 17, 2021, Wilmington Police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1500 block of West 3rd Street at approximately 1:56 a.m. They found a 20-year-old man, identified as Marquis Lopez Jr., who had suffered critical gunshot injuries. Lopez was transported to a hospital where he later died from his wounds.
The case was overseen by Detective Joseph Wicks of the Criminal Investigations Division. Through investigative efforts, Bernier was identified as a suspect. The case was presented to the New Castle County Grand Jury in December 2022, resulting in an indictment. At the time, Bernier was in custody in Philadelphia on unrelated charges.
On December 17, 2024, Wilmington Police arrested Bernier without incident. He is now charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. After arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court 20, Bernier was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $1,000,000 cash-only bail.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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