Two Men Arrested in Connection with Fatal Stabbing Incident in Wilmington

Wilmington Police have apprehended two individuals believed to be involved in the tragic stabbing incident that occurred on Sunday. The authorities responded to a distress call on February 11 at around 7:30 a.m., reporting the discovery of a deceased 59-year-old woman in the 500 Block of South Franklin Street, also known as Kosciuszko Park.

Working in conjunction with the Delaware Division of Forensic Sciences, investigators initiated a thorough death investigation. On February 12, the forensic team confirmed that the victim, identified as Barbara Williams, had indeed succumbed to fatal stab wounds.

Assigned to the case, Detective Joseph Wicks from the Criminal Investigations Division made significant progress in his investigation. Through meticulous examination, Wicks determined that the fatal stabbing incident had occurred inside a residence located in the 1300 block of Lancaster Avenue. Subsequently, the victim’s remains were transported to Kosciuszko Park in the 500 block of South Franklin Street.

After careful identification, authorities named 35-year-old Steven Byrd as the primary suspect. On February 13, Byrd was apprehended without any resistance and now faces several charges, including Murder (First Degree), Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Following an arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court 20, Byrd has been remanded to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on an exorbitant bail amount of $2,368,172, payable only in cash.

Additionally, investigators identified 29-year-old Joseph Welsh as a second suspect in the case. Welsh is believed to have assisted Byrd in transporting the victim’s remains. On February 14, Welsh was taken into custody without incident. He now faces charges of Tampering with Physical Evidence and Conspiracy (Second Degree).

Like Byrd, Welsh underwent an arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court 20. However, his bail was set at $10,000 secured.

This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation, bringing some relief to the community of Wilmington. The local authorities remain committed to ensuring justice for Barbara Williams and her grieving family.