
Incident Number: 50-26-27059
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 at 1:34 P.M.
Location: Banning Street and West North Street, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Lieutenant Mark Hoffman Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating the discovery of human remains that were located Tuesday afternoon in the area of West North Street and Banning Street.
On August 4, 2026, at approximately 1:34 p.m., officers responded after a grounds maintenance worker discovered the remains while mowing an overgrown section of property near a retention pond. Investigators learned the area was last maintained approximately 13 months prior to today.
The remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, limiting the amount of information that can be immediately determined at the scene. At this time, investigators have not identified any obvious signs of foul play.
The remains have been turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science’s Medical Examiner Unit, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death and assist with identification.
The identity of the deceased is unknown at this time. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to identify the individual and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7111. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.




