30-Year-Old Mercedes Ferguson Charged with Murder by Abuse in Wilmington, DE

Mercedes Ferguson, a 30-year-old woman from Wilmington, Delaware, has been charged with Murder by Abuse in connection with the tragic death of her 4-year-old son. The New Castle County Division of Police launched an investigation into the incident after receiving a 9-1-1 call on August 18, 2023, reporting CPR being performed on the young boy at a home in the Greenview at Chestnut Run community on Court Drive.

Responding to the call were Patrol Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police, New Castle County Paramedics, and Emergency Medical Services. Despite their efforts, the 4-year-old child was pronounced dead at the scene. The Delaware Division of Forensic Science conducted an autopsy, which revealed that the cause of death was homicide due to starvation.

After a thorough review of the case with the Delaware Attorney General’s Office, detectives obtained warrants for the arrest of Mercedes Ferguson on March 8th, 2024. She was apprehended on March 11th, 2024, at a residence on Herbert Drive in New Castle, Delaware.

Mercedes Ferguson was brought to the New Castle County Police headquarters, where she was formally charged with one felony count of Murder by abuse or neglect first-degree recklessly caused the death of a child. Following her arraignment at Justice of the Peace Court 2, she was remanded to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution after failing to post the $1,000,000.00 cash bail.

Anyone with additional information related to this case is urged to contact Detective Starratt at (302) 395-2745 or via email at Ashlee.Starratt@newcastlede.gov. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or online at http://www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

The Victim Services Unit of the New Castle County Division of Police is available to provide support and resources to victims, witnesses of violent crimes, or those who have lost a loved one to sudden death. They can be reached at (302) 395-8000.

Mercedes Ferguson has been identified as the suspect in the murder of her 4-year-old son. She has been charged with Murder by Abuse and is currently in custody awaiting trial. The New Castle County Division of Police is urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.