Update: Identity of Deceased Male in Saint Jones River Released

Update (July 7th, 2022): The Dover Police Department has identified the male subject that was located in the Saint Jones River on July 2nd as 27-year-old Jorge Valladares of Dover. The cause of death is still under investigation, but does not appear to be the result of foul play at this time.

If you wish to provide information on this case or other criminal activity, please contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7130.  Callers may remain anonymous.  Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance.  You can contact the Victim Services Unit at 302-736-7134 or by email at: Diane.Glenn@cj.state.de.us

Incident Number: 50-22-20297

Date and Time: Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 at 4:04 p.m.

Location: St. Jones River, behind Capitol Green, Dover, DE

Contact: Dover Police Public Information Office
Sergeant Mark Hoffman Email: mark.hoffman@cj.state.de.us

Narrative:

On Saturday, July 22nd, 2022, officers from the Dover Police Department were called to the area of the Saint Jones River, behind Capitol Green for a report of a body being found in the river. A group of kayakers located the body on the shoreline of the river and notified police. With the assistance from the Dover Fire Department, the body was able to be removed from the water. The subject was a male, but additional details are unknown due to the advanced state of decomposition. No obvious signs of trauma were noticed on scene, but the cause of death is unknown. The cause of death and identification of the subject is pending further examination by the medical examiners office.