by Arrests Made in Connection with Fatal Stabbing Incident in Wilmington
Wilmington Police have made significant progress in the investigation of Sunday’s tragic fatal stabbing incident. Two men have been arrested in connection with the case, which left a 59-year-old female, Barbara Williams, deceased.
The incident came to light on February 11 when police received a distress call about a deceased woman in Kosciuszko Park, located in the 500 Block of South Franklin Street. Upon arriving at the scene, authorities immediately initiated a thorough death investigation in collaboration with the Delaware Division of Forensic Sciences.
After meticulous examination, the Delaware Division of Forensic Sciences confirmed on February 12 that the victim’s death was the result of a fatal stabbing. The investigation was then assigned to Detective Joseph Wicks of the Criminal Investigations Division.
With his expertise, Detective Wicks determined that the stabbing had occurred inside a residence on Lancaster Avenue in the 1300 block. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Steven Byrd, was quickly identified and apprehended on February 13 without any incident. Byrd now faces charges of 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.
Byrd appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 20 for his arraignment and has been remanded to the custody of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution. His bail has been set at $2,368,172, payable in cash only.
Further investigation led to the identification of a second suspect, 29-year-old Joseph Welsh, who allegedly assisted Byrd in transporting the victim’s remains. Welsh was apprehended on February 14 and now faces charges of Tampering with Physical Evidence and Conspiracy (Second Degree). He appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 20 as well and has been committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution, with a secured bail of $10,000.
The Wilmington Police Department is committed to ensuring justice is served in this tragic incident. The community is urged to come forward with any additional information that may assist in furthering the investigation.
